Fire chief sets the record straight after fire truck plays 'inappropriate and

LASALLE TWP. (WWJ) – The fire chief of a Southeast Michigan community is clearing the air after a fire truck with their department’s markings created a scene at a local Christmas parade last weekend.

Many residents in Monroe County were outraged after what appeared to be a LaSalle Township Fire Department truck was spotted in Saturday’s Christmas parade in Ida blaring “inappropriate and vulgar” music and language.

Randy Howe, the chief of the volunteer fire department, issued a letter Wednesday saying the truck had been retired 10 years ago and sold privately, but the department’s markings were never removed.

“The department name was never removed as with previous equipment that was retired and sold to the public,” Howe’s letter said. “However, this practice has been changed and all department markings have been removed in recent equipment sales.”

Howe said he and other members of the department were “very disheartened with the negative perception that many either witnessed, or viewed videos of this unfortunate incident.”

“We take our duties very seriously and professionally, all while taking great pride in our township and assisting our neighboring communities when needed. I take great pride in knowing that no LaSalle members had any affiliation with the parade entry, nor do they condone or support the type of behavior exhibited that night,” Howe said.

“I sincerely hope this will clear up any questions or concerns regarding this incident. All of us here at the LaSalle Volunteer Fire Department would like to wish you and your families a safe and happy holiday season,” he said.

It was not immediately clear what music was played or what else may have been said during the truck’s appearance in the parade. Howe did not say whether the person who bought the truck a decade ago was responsible for Saturday’s incident.