Detroit Fire Department Responds to Gas Odor at New Criminal Justice Center
On a chilly Tuesday morning in the bustling city of Detroit, there was a bit of excitement at the brand-new Wayne County Criminal Justice Center. Concerned citizens began reporting a mysterious smell of natural gas wafting through the area, prompting the Detroit Fire Department to spring into action. Fortunately, after a thorough inspection, the fire department deemed the building safe, leaving many to breathe a sigh of relief.
What’s Going On?
According to county officials, the source of the gas odor was traced back to a nearby worksite operated by DTE Energy. Thankfully, there were no confirmed natural gas leaks in the vicinity. DTE made a point to emphasize that the safety of their customers and local communities is their top priority. “Our crews are currently assisting in identifying the odor’s source in the area,” a spokesperson stated. While some employees chose to leave the building voluntarily out of an abundance of caution, it’s essential to note that no evacuation order was issued.
Location of the New Center
The newly established Criminal Justice Center is home to various essential services, including the Third Circuit Court, the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Wayne County Clerk’s Office. This facility was designed to bring state-of-the-art services to the community, adding to the existing infrastructure and helping streamline operations for law enforcement in the region.
Inmate Challenges at the New Jail
However, not everything has been smooth sailing since the center opened its doors. Earlier this month, reports surfaced about a series of troubling issues at the adjacent Wayne County Jail. 7Investigator Ross Jones revealed that the facility has faced several hurdles already, including floods, altercations between inmates, and even an attempted suicide. These challenges have raised eyebrows and caused frustration among both deputies and lawyers who had high hopes for the new jail.
Voices of Concern
Allen Cox, the president of the Wayne County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, expressed disappointment, stating, “We were told that all of the things and issues that we had at the previous jails would not be an issue at the new facility. That has not been the case.” This sentiment underscores the frustration felt by many as the transition to this modern structure has not exactly unfolded as anticipated.
Official Response
In light of these pressing concerns, spokesman Ed Foxworth from the sheriff’s office pointed out that they had previously addressed the community in a statement that read, “We understand, much like a new house, there are kinks that need to be worked out, and our team, in partnership with the other stakeholders, are up to the task.” He went on to say that as time progresses, we can expect to see improvements and share success stories about enhanced service levels for local citizens.
Looking Ahead
As the Detroit community anxiously observes the developments at the new Criminal Justice Center, it is clear that both challenges and opportunities lie ahead. With a commitment to improving conditions and addressing any issues that arise, the hope is for a smooth and productive operation in the near future. Here’s to wishing for clearer skies ahead in Detroit!
