On Monday, March 9, at 5:00 p.m., a dedication ceremony for the new Sutphen aerial apparatus, Tower 5, will take place in the circle drive in front of City Hall, 26000 Evergreen Rd.

The City of Southfield is giving residents a chance to see the Fire Department’s newest emergency response vehicle up close. Residents are invited to attend and view the new apparatus while learning more about the advanced equipment firefighters use to protect the community.

This new aerial apparatus represents a $1.8 million investment in the safety of the residents and visitors of Southfield and will strengthen the department’s ability to respond to fires, rescues, and other emergencies throughout the city. Some key features of the new apparatus include:

• 100-foot aerial ladder with platform for reaching multi-story buildings
• A pin-less jack stabilization system that allows firefighters to deploy the aerial ladder in under two minutes
• 183 feet of ground ladders for additional access and rescue operations
• A powerful 2,000-gallon-per-minute pump to support firefighting operations
• Two remote-controlled nozzles on the ladder platform that can be operated from the ground
• Remote video displays that allow firefighters to see where the ladder nozzles are spraying and provide an elevated view of the fire scene
• 500 feet of 5-inch supply hose to maintain water supply during major incidents
• A 300-gallon onboard water tank
• Extensive compartment space for tools and emergency equipment

Firefighters are in the process of spending several weeks training with the new apparatus to become fully familiar with its features and capabilities.

The addition of Aerial Tower 5 strengthens the Southfield Fire Department’s ability to respond quickly, operate safely, and continue providing high-quality fire protection for the community.

About the Southfield Fire Department

The Southfield Fire Department is comprised of 112 highly trained and dedicated members who serve the residents of Southfield and Lathrup Village, as well as a daytime population estimated at 175,000. Firefighters respond from five strategically located fire stations throughout the city. In 2025, the department handled 16,480 calls for service, an average of more than 45 per day, making it the busiest fire department in Oakland County.