Village president loans truck, irks fire chief

SAND LAKE, Mich. (WOOD) — The use of a fire rig in Saturday's Pulaski Days parade in Grand Rapids has created strife among Sand Lake village leaders.

The loan of the Ford pickup truck, which the fire chief said is used for medical runs and to tackle brush fires, was approved by Sand Lake Village President Tom Norton. Sand Lake Fire Chief Ed Holtzlander never gave his permission.

Norton said as president, he's allowed to approve the use of village vehicles. He received a request last week and believed it would be good exposure for the village.

The truck ended up covered in signs for Curt Benson's campaign for Kent County judge, adding more controversy. Holtzlander said he doesn't think the department should get involved in political races. Norton said he didn't know it was being requested for the campaign.

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