Grant Money To Fund Detroit Fireworks Force
DETROIT (WWJ) - Detroit has gotten the green light from the Justice Department to use federal grant money earmarked to purchase police equipment to pay for officers to work next week's fireworks show.
Detroit City Council President Pro-Tem Gary Brown said the money will be used to pay overtime for Detroit cops. It will also pay for help from Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties.
"The money was set aside for shot-spotters. We did not approve that, so that's why (the money) is available," Brown explained.
"We've also had conversations with The Parade Company and they understand that they're going to have to raise the money in future years in order to help offset the costs," he said. "This type of arrangement won't be available next year."
Detroit's financial crisis will not permit the city to host the fireworks next year or the Thanksgiving parade without help from the private sector or foundations. (More on this here.)
