Romulus Fire Department Lands Grant to Improve Response

Read Time:2 Minute, 33 Second

(TNS) — Back in 2019, the Romulus Fire Department conducted a community risk assessment to identify challenges the department was facing in providing services to its residents.

When the results came back, Kevin Kraus, director of fire services and emergency management, said it was clear that the department’s system, specifically its alerting system, was antiquated.

According to Krause, the department was at its maximum allowance for response time to reach callers in distress.

A grant recently awarded to the department not only addresses response time, department officials believe it could help save lives at the same time.

A grant in the amount of $15,000 from Energy Transfer’s First Responder Fund will aid in the funding of a Bryx Station Alerting System at both Fire Stations No.2 and No. 4.

The Bryx platform is a fully integrated cloud-based platform designed to aid in emergency response by providing first responders with real-time information and direct messaging tools.

“This technology will not only greatly enhance dispatch communications, it will greatly improve response times and help support the health and well-being of the men and women working to protect this community,” Krause said. “We are grateful to Energy Transfer for this grant and for their ongoing support of our department.”

The system offers fast alerts to the station, as well as watches with details about the emergency and automatic flashing emergency lights within the department.

The advanced response system is wired to open the station’s bay doors automatically when a call comes through and make sure the stove is cut off when firefighters leave.

He explained that calls come in at any given time and sometimes it’s right at mealtime.

Krause said the stove feature is a good one to reduce the chance of fire in case it is accidentally left on in hast.

The system displays digital routing and navigation and supplemental updates until the vehicle reaches its destination.

It has improved the turnout times, which the department said in turn saves time, property and lives.

In addition to that, Krause said the system has yet another big advantage for the department.

“An added value is that its efficiency cuts down the overall stress on the dispatcher,” Krause said.

Robin Hull , senior specialist, public affairs for energy transfer, said it’s a top priority that the company provide support to first responders where they operate, whether through equipment procurement or emergency training.

“Supporting the city of Romulus’ acquisition of an enhanced alerting system was a no-brainer,” Hull said. “We are proud to partner with Director Krause and the Romulus community on this important project and are glad the department submitted the grant request.”