Dearborn Heights officials say the milestone could reduce overtime and ease strain on firefighters, though medical leaves and aging equipment still pose challenges

By Fuad Shalhout
mlive.com

DEARBORN HEIGHTS, Mich. — For the first time in more than a decade, Dearborn Heights’ fire department is fully staffed, a milestone that could reduce overtime and improve service for residents.

Fire officials outlined the progress during a recent city council study session on the 2026–27 budget, calling the staffing level a significant step forward after years of shortages.

| MORE: Doing the job with a lot less: A fire officer’s perspective in an understaffed department

“Proper staffing should reduce overtime and lessen the physical and mental strain on our firefighters,” Phil Hall said, Dearborn Heights deputy fire chief.

The department now has 59 firefighters and one administrative employee, according to budget documents presented to council.

Officials said the improved staffing levels come after years of challenges and are expected to ease pressure on crews who have historically relied on overtime to maintain coverage.

However, leaders cautioned that the department still faces hurdles.

Recent extended medical leaves, a potential third leave and a military deployment could impact staffing levels in the near term, officials said.

At the same time, the department is grappling with aging equipment and vehicles, prompting officials to shift funding priorities in the proposed budget.

Hall said the department is reallocating $50,000 from turnout gear to vehicle maintenance to address the needs of an aging fleet.

“We can hold off on the purchasing of additional turnout gear this year,” Hall said, noting the department still plans to buy some equipment while prioritizing repairs.

The department is also seeking outside funding to replace critical equipment, including applying for federal grants to purchase new self-contained breathing apparatuses — a project expected to cost about $800,000.

Despite those challenges, city leaders praised firefighters for their work and emphasized the importance of maintaining service levels while managing costs.

“This proposed budget maintains essential services while controlling costs,” Hall said.

The staffing milestone comes as the city works to balance its budget while maintaining public safety services.

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