Quick Hits: Shirley Irwin Honored; Bloomfield Hills Firefighters Get New Gear

The Bloomfield Hills City Commission paused during their meeting Tuesday to honor Shirley Irwin, a long-serving member of the City Hall family who died Aug. 20. Irwin was a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals for 13 years and had a long record of active service in several civic and community organizations.

The commission unanimously passed a resolution to recognize her for her work and contributions. She taught second grade in the East Detroit public schools and was a dedicated member of the Village Club of Bloomfield Hills for 20 years. She also belonged to the Bloomfield Open Hunt Club for more than 35 years and served on both the board of directors and the membership committee.

Mayor Michael Zambricki said Irwin, who was appointed to five-terms on the ZBA, was an inspiration to everyone who came in contact with her.

"For those who saw her in action, she was a delight to see," he said. "She never held back, not her enthusiasm, her emotion or her opinion."

Irwin's husband of 48 years, Dr. Alexander Irwin, and their daughter, Melissa Hurley, accepted a commemorative plaque of the resolution and to deliver a "final motion" Irwin wrote before her death.

"Motion: It was with great pleasure that I, Shirley Ann Irwin, served with rational, logical people who gave of their time, of their efforts and of their loving care in the best interests of our City of Bloomfield Hills, Mi. Carry on in this tradition," Dr. Irwin read to the commission.

New Firefighter Equipment Coming

Bloomfield Hills firefighters will get new turnout gear to replace old sets, completing a nine-year cycle of maintenance at the Department of Public Safety.

Bloomfield Hills City Commissioners on Tuesday approved a plan to replace eight sets of firefighter gear--coats and bunker pants--for $14,000. Public Safety Director Richard Matott said the gear was being exchanged as part of a staggered equipment replacement program that ends with this purchase.

The current coats and pants are no longer acceptable for use.

"The kevlar in those breaks down after seven years, whether you use it or not," Matott said. "The newer sets last nine years."

Commissioner Sarah McClure asked why there hadn't been a bidding process for the purchase. Matott explained that the city is in the third phase of a deal that was already bid out. He also said it was important for all of the firefighters to have identical gear.