Highland Park's fire department doing more with less

HIGHLAND PARK, Mich. (WXYZ) -  

They battle some of the most devastating and dangerous fires in the area, and they dot it on a shoestring budget.

The fire fighters of Highland Park have had the odds stacked against them for years but have managed to do their jobs. Now it may get a bit easier.

The department has a new fire chief, 35-year-old Derek Hillman. The city’s new mayor promoted Chief Hillman after he took office.

Before ascending to the top spot Hillman himself was a fire fighter for years. And he even took it upon himself to write a grant request to the federal government to get millions for a new fire station in Highland Park.

His request was granted.

Now in just a few months crews will break ground on the new state-of-the-art station.

Hillman is also looking to raise money for new rigs. There’s a fundraiser this Sunday on the Detroit Princess. Tickets are $30 per person.