NEWSPAPERS n o i t i d E l a i c e Sp
DECEMBER 24, 2025
candgnews.com
Macomb County and Grosse Pointe papers
Samantha Wilkinson, Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Museum operations manager left; retired Eastpointe Fire Chief Danny Hagen, center; and Eastpointe Fire Chief Jason Clark discuss Eastpointe’s 1921 Model T chemical fire truck.
National search for Macomb Community College president begins BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
LEARN HISTORY TO A ‘T’ EASTPOINTE’S ANTIQUE 1921 FIRE TRUCK NOW ON DISPLAY
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BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
nyone who visits the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Museum in Detroit will see an important piece of Eastpointe history. Eastpointe’s first-ever fire truck is among the many antique vehicles on display. The 1921 Ford Model T was purchased a little more than 100 years ago when Eastpointe was known as Erin Township. A group of business owners pooled their money to buy the chemical fire truck. They were concerned about fires as the township grew and felt the horse and wagon used in town to douse flames wasn’t enough. The proprietors wantSee FIRE TRUCK on page 4A
Kim Schmidt, left, holds a photo of her husband, Donald Schmidt, a retired Eastpointe Fire Department captain, as he drives the fire truck in a Memorial Day parade. Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
MACOMB COUNTY — A national search to find the next president of Macomb Community College has begun. On Dec. 1, college officials issued a press release to announce that current President James O. Sawyer IV will retire June 30, 2026, which marks the conclusion of the college’s fiscal year. Sawyer has been president since July 1, 2017. Sawyer holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Lawrence Technological University, and a master’s degree in administration and a doctorate in education from Central Michigan University. “I know I speak for the entire board of trustees when I say that it has been gratifying to work with Dr. Sawyer in so many meaningful ways,” Macomb Community College Board of Trustees Chair Katherine Bracey Lorenzo said in a prepared statement. “The board of trustees looks forward to identifying a visionary candidate who will take Dr. Sawyer’s good work to the next level.” The executive search profile, which outlines qualifications and information about the application process, is available at macomb. edu/presidential-search. The deadline for applications is Jan. 9, 2026, through RH Perry & Associates. See MCC on page 6A