MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Meridian Townships' Fire Department was just awarded Fire Department of the year, but their dedication to the community doesn't stop there. They now have created the Meridian Fire Community Outreach Program.

Once approved for their permit, the Fire Department will begin work on their first project; building township resident Neal a new garage.

Neal is a quadriplegic and his current garage isn't tall or wide enough for his van and the van lift to operate inside. This is especially a problem during the winter months because on two occasions Meridian Township Firefighters have had to rescue Neal from getting stuck in the snow.

In order to build Neal a usable garage, Meridian Firefighters received a $10,000 grant for materials from Home Depot and Culver's of Okemos recently hosted a fundraiser adding $600 more in funding for the project. Approximately $600 has also been raised through private donations. Michigan Demolition is donating all the demolition work and site prep. Thee Electric in Haslett will be donating all the electrical work and Burcham services removed all the trees last year for the project. They're still waiting to hear back from a company regarding the donation of the concrete.

Now, the Meridian Firefighters are ready to get to work on the project, but a few things need to be done before they can get the permits to build.

As of now, "We're putting in silk fencing, it's called towing it in, so that water doesn't rush any sand or debris that we move off into the drain that's out behind Neal's house. So it's part of the process to meet the requirements to get the permit to build the garage," said Meridian Firefighter TJ Booms.

Once started, Booms said they're hoping to have the project completed in just a few weeks depending on everyone's schedule.

For those interested in helping out, donations can be dropped off or mailed to Meridian Township at 5151 Marsh Rd., Okemos, MI. 48864 in care of Meridian Township Firefighter Community Outreach.