GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) -- After three accidents over eight months involving fire trucks, Grand Rapids has a new tool to keep its first responders safe.

The department converted a dump truck into a response vehicle to be used on area freeways.

Grant money paid for painting, radios, emergency lighting and a siren. It also has an arrow board to alert drivers and equipment to absorb the shock if a car crashes into it.  It will be based at the Franklin Street fire station, 115 Franklin St. SE.

The fire department saw the need after drivers crashed into fire trucks being used to protect accident scenes.

The last one happened in November -- a semi hit a fire truck protecting workers at a crash scene on U.S. 131.

Tuesday, August 2, Foster Park (at Cherry, State and Madison SE)

Enjoy a summer night with fun and food! Potluck Picnic - Bring a dish to share and a chair or blanket. We'll provide hot dogs, brats, beverage and utensils.

Fun Stuff: Kids Activities, Face Painting, GRPD K9 Unit, Fire Truck with Hose, City officials, GRPD SWAT Team, Kiddy Pool

Visit http://www.heritagehillweb.org/ for additional information.

The 2011 property taxes billed by the City of Grand Rapids for 13 different tax levying units are last payable to the city without penalty on August 1, 2011. If you have not received your tax bill on City of Grand Rapids property for which you owe taxes, please either come to our office, access the tax amount at www.grcity.us and send in the payment, or call 456-3020 to get instructions on remitting payment.

The City Of Grand Rapids has launched an online property tax search and payment website at www.grcity.usepaybills. Property tax bills may be paid online from your checking or savings account for a $1.00 convenience fee. The taxes owed for properties in the City of Grand Rapids are payable by mail, by depositing payment in a drop box at 200 Ottawa Ave., NW, or in person at the Grand Rapids City Treasurer's office at 300 Monroe Ave., NW from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.