DETROIT, MI -- Firefighters in Detroit haven't been able to freely use their ladders since Christmas, but a donation from AAA could bring back the aerial advantage by June.

Detroit Fire Commissioner Don Austin said that after discovering the department's 20 ladders hadn't been inspected, he restricted their use several months ago to immediate rescue and unmanned operations.

A $23,500 donation announced today by AAA outside the Southwest Public Safety Center will get them all inspected and, if up to code, ready for use by June.

Each ladder takes about 8 hours to inspect, Austin said.

Mayor Dave Bing said he believes corporations have been stepping up to help Detroit more than in any other U.S. city.

"Without their important halp, we'd be much further in the hole," Bing said.

A group of corporations like by Penske Corp. in March announced an $8 million donation for new police and fire department vehicles. And a private groups contributed $100 million to help launch the M-1 Rail project that will bring streetcars to Woodward Avenue between Downtown and New Center.

Problems with equipment and supply shortages for the Detroit Fire Department's have been an ongoing, dangerous and embarrassing problem. Toilet paper shortages led to a truckload of Charmin Ultra Strong rolls being donated in December.

Follow Khalil AlHajal on Twitter @DetroitKhalil or on Facebook at Detroit Khalil. He can be reached at kalhajal@mlive.com or 313-643-0527.