DETROIT (WDIV) – Detroit’s fire commissioner plans to step down at the end of the year.
Detroit Mayor Dave Bing on Tuesday issued a statement saying he had accepted Donald Austin’s resignation.
“Commissioner Austin provided much needed leadership to the department during his tenure,” Mayor Bing said. “We are grateful for his contributions and improvements he has made to the Fire Department and EMS Division and wish him well in his future endeavors.”
Under Austin, the Fire Department received $55M in grant funding through FEMA to retain 108 firefighter jobs and to hire additional personnel. The funds also were used to purchase replacement firefighter gear. The city also received financial support from the local business and foundation communities to replace the entire fleet of 23 EMS ambulances.
“To the citizens of Detroit, there is great promise ahead for this community and Fire Department,” Austin said. “I am encouraged by the commitment of members of the Department, unions, and private, public, and business sectors who continue to demonstrate their support for an efficient and effective public safety service model for Detroiters.”
Austin took the post in May 2011.
