Detroit firefighters are getting much-needed rest upgrades as the city follows through on a promise to improve conditions inside local fire stations. On Tuesday, new mattresses were delivered to Engine 54/Ladder 26 on Detroit’s west side, part of a full-scale replacement of all bedding units across the Detroit Fire Department.
The effort, led by Detroit City Council Member At-Large Mary Waters, marks a major step in addressing long-standing concerns over firefighter wellness and workplace conditions. During Tuesday morning’s delivery at 16825 Trinity Street, Waters said the mattress replacements were not only long overdue but essential to the health and performance of the city’s first responders.
“I applauded the staff of the Detroit Fire Department for recommending that 60 bedding units should be replaced. But the reality is that all 200 bedding units needed to be replaced due to aging causing discomfort thus hindering firefighting effectiveness,” Waters said.
The $92,000 cost for the mattresses was approved by City Council and included in Detroit’s $3 billion budget, a move that Waters described as one of the most cost-effective expenditures the city could make.
“Our Detroit firefighters are on the frontlines protecting lives 24 hours a day every day. The bedding cost will be one of the most cost beneficial expenditures in city government,” she said.
Waters, who sponsored the measure, emphasized that the city had both the funds and the moral obligation to act immediately.
“Detroit firefighters deserved better bedding right now. Those dollars were budgeted and appropriated,” Waters added.
The new mattresses follow another comfort-focused initiative earlier this year. On March 13, the Detroit Fire Department received recliners for all eight battalion headquarters from Gardner White in celebration of “313 Day,” a citywide occasion honoring Detroit’s culture and community spirit.
The furniture retailer donated 16 triple power Celeste Recliners by Southern Motion—two to each of the eight battalions—to help provide firefighters with comfort and relaxation during long shifts.
“In recognition of 313 Day, we are honored to provide a gift of comfort to the brave men and women of the Detroit Fire Department, whose dedication ensures the safety of our city,” said Rachel Stewart, CEO of Gardner White. “Our hope is that these recliners offer a well-deserved moment of comfort and relaxation to the first responders who tirelessly protect and serve the community.”
Detroit Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms said at the time that the donation meant more than just new furniture—it symbolized community support for the people who do some of the city’s most demanding work.
“Our first responders work long and demanding shifts, and having a comfortable place to rest between calls makes a real difference,” said Simms. “This gift is a testament to Gardner White’s commitment to supporting our team and the neighborhoods they serve. As they prepare to open their new store in Detroit, we look forward to their continued partnership in strengthening our city.”
Now, with both recliners and mattresses in place, the focus on firefighter wellness has gained significant traction in a city where firehouse infrastructure has historically lagged behind other municipal improvements. Detroit has made major strides in recent years to modernize its fire department, from new equipment and technology to upgrades in facilities. But many stations still carry the weight of deferred maintenance—making basic necessities like comfortable bedding a noteworthy milestone.
Many firefighters in Detroit work 24-hour shifts, during which sleep and rest are crucial. Studies have shown that chronic sleep deprivation among first responders contributes to mental and physical health risks, decreased job performance, and even increases the likelihood of safety hazards.
That makes this bedding investment about more than creature comfort—it’s about operational readiness and long-term wellness for the people who put their lives on the line for Detroiters.
The issue of sleep accommodations may seem small in a city with so many challenges, but as Council Member Waters pointed out, it’s a matter of values. With the city budget in the billions, $92,000 was a relatively minor cost that delivered a major message.
“Taking care of those who take care of us shouldn’t be up for debate,” said Waters.
The new mattresses are being rolled out across the department, with each firehouse scheduled to receive replacements in the coming weeks. For firefighters at Engine 54/Ladder 26 and others across the city, the difference will be immediate—and, according to many, long overdue.
As the fire department continues to evolve, initiatives like these are redefining what it means to support first responders—not just with applause or ceremony, but with real, tangible investments. And for Detroit’s firefighters, that means finally getting the rest they need to rise to every call.
