State Rep. Jamie Thompson is fighting for key public safety investments for the city of Flat Rock as part of ongoing state budget considerations.

Thompson invited Flat Rock Fire Chief Derrick Welton to testify on Wednesday before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor and Economic Opportunity on a funding request Thompson has made for $1 million for a new fire truck for the Flat Rock Fire Department.

When initially making the request, Thompson noted the main truck the department currently uses is 35 years old and is 20 years past its recommended use time, when Welton said trucks are usually moved from a frontline vehicle to a reserve. After 25 years, Welton said, trucks are supposed to be completely pulled from service.

“This is our only frontline fire engine. At times when it has proved unreliable we’ve had to use our ladder truck which holds less water and is not meant for regular motor vehicle accidents, car fires and emergencies of that nature,” Welton said. “With this new vehicle, we will be able to be able to downsize three vehicles into one. It will be a more economical resource for the city and our neighbors.”

It is estimated the department receives roughly 15 calls per month that require the use of the fire truck, meaning hundreds of people per year across the area that the department services would be put in jeopardy if something on the outdated vehicle fails and it is rendered inoperable.

Welton indicated in testimony the request would cover the whole cost of the truck, which he estimated to be roughly $790,000. He said the department has already identified a 2025 model to purchase if the request is approved.

Thompson has been a consistent advocate for local public safety funding during the 2025-26 legislative term. Earlier this year, she voted for bills to establish the Public Safety Trust Fund, which would provide Flat Rock with over $52,000 in extra resources annually to go toward officer recruitment and upgraded equipment. Other communities Thompson represents in the Michigan House would also see additional funding through the bills, including Taylor ($610,000 increase), Brownstown Township ($126,000 increase), Woodhaven ($25,000 increase), Frenchtown Township ($15,000 increase), Berlin Township ($12,000 increase), and Rockwood ($5,000 increase).

“I will continue fighting to make our communities safer places to work, live and raise their families,” Thompson said. “Operational costs for police and fire continue to rise. These investments and resources are critical for public safety in Monroe and Wayne counties.”

PHOTO INFORMATION: State Rep. Jamie Thompson, of Brownstown, invited Flat Rock Fire Chief Derrick Welton to testify on a budget funding request for a new fire truck for the Flat Rock Fire Department on Wednesday, July 23. Thompson represents Flat Rock as part of the 28^th House District.