Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) today toured the Northville Township Public Safety Headquarters to see firsthand the need for emergency communications equipment upgrades to better serve 730,000 residents throughout the region. Dingell secured $963,000 in federal funds for Northville Township to upgrade its emergency communications technology through the FY 2024 government appropriations process.
“Law enforcement officers, fire fighters, and all first responders have some of the toughest jobs around, and they don’t always get the appreciation they deserve. The least we can do is make sure they have the resources and supplies they need to stay safe on the job,” Dingell said. “I know this $963,000 will go a long way to supporting their critical work, and in turn, keeping our communities safe. And this reaches far beyond just Northville Township – these improvements will impact up to 18 surrounding communities and 730,000 residents. This makes a big difference.”
The federal funding will pay for a new state-of-the-art 911 phone system that will speed response times and provide better call tracking. It also will cover a backup power generator to ensure uninterrupted 911 service during power outages caused by severe weather or other emergencies.
Northville Township has interoperable communications agreements with multiple communities and offers mutual aid to an area that services 730,000 residents.
Northville Township will add this emergency equipment to its soon-to-be-built Essential Services Complex (ESC) on Seven Mile Road, the former site of the state psychiatric hospital. The 96,000-square-foot facility will become the new Public Safety Headquarters and house a new Police Station, a second Fire Station, a new Department of Public Works Headquarters, and a Northville Parks & Recreation Trailhead Building.
“We can help so many people with the Essential Services Complex,” said Northville Township Supervisor Mark J. Abbo. “Northville Township is a public safety answering point for the region. The equipment will serve 18 surrounding communities that rely on us for emergency communications. Thank you, Rep. Dingell, for recognizing a crucial need for our community and bringing federal funding to help address it.”
The ESC is expected to open in late spring 2025 at an estimated cost of $41 million.
“Like many communities, Northville Township’s Police and Fire departments have to navigate congested areas like Haggerty Road in order to respond to emergencies,” said Scott Hilden, Northville Township’s Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police. “The new facility and the new emergency equipment will help us better protect and serve our residents.”
“We appreciate Congresswoman Dingell for being a champion of public safety,” said Northville Township Fire Chief Brent Siegel.
View photos from the visit here.
