Macomb Community College’s new Fire Apparatus Building, located at the college’s Public Service Institute (PSI) in Clinton Township, was unveiled on Monday, June 15. Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel and Rep. Denise Mentzer, Michigan House of Representatives, along with Macomb President James O. Sawyer IV officiated the brief program. Hackel and Mentzer had rappelled down the live burn tower at PSI in Oct. 2024 to celebrate a $2 million state appropriation, which Mentzer was instrumental in securing, toward the $3.5 million project.

“This modern apparatus building is a superb home base for the firefighter training Macomb Community College provides as a regional training center,” said Michael Lopez, director, Macomb’s Public Service Institute. “The new facility will better prepare Macomb’s fire academy students by providing real-world experience of working in a fire station while also enhancing the training we offer to fire department teams from local municipalities.”

The new 3,500-square-foot building will house a fire engine truck, an aerial ladder fire truck, which was donated to PSI by Eastpointe Fire and Rescue, and equipment firefighters use daily. The facility mirrors the stations Macomb’s fire cadets will work at, housing all the equipment firefighters use daily.

Macomb Community College prepares individuals for careers in firefighting and emergency medical services with a comprehensive range of degree programs, and 10-week and part-time fire academies, which equip individuals with the practical skills required for state certification exams. Macomb also serves a regional training center, offering advanced training and development for fire service professionals.

About Macomb Community College

Macomb Community College (www.macomb.edu) is about transforming lives and communities through the power of education, enrichment and economic development. Macomb grants the largest number of associate degrees in Michigan and is the largest community college in the state. The college provides programming for youth through seniors, including early college for high school students, university transfer and career preparation programs, workforce education, continuing education and certification, and a wide range of enrichment opportunities encompassing arts, culture and lifelong learning.

Media Contact: Rachel LePoudre, APR, lepoudrer417@macomb.edu, 586.445.7271