Washington County Commissioners voted to purchase lifesaving rescue equipment for area fire departments at their Thursday, November 12 meeting.
Washington County Emergency Management Agency Director Russell Riner began by explaining that four departments were identified for rescue equipment – Sandersville Fire Department, Tennille Fire Department, Davisboro Fire Department, and Deepstep Fire Department.
Looking to complete the rescue equipment sets at the area departments, the County has made purchases over the years to provide the necessary tools.
Sandersville Fire Department and Tennille Fire Department are fully equipped.
EMA Director Riner explained that with this particular purchase, Davisboro Fire Department will be fully equipped.
Riner provided Commissioners with a quote from a company known for supplying rescue equipment, MES. This purchase is for three tools, spreader tool, a cutter, and a ram. These more commonly known as ‘the jaws of life.’
According to EMA Director Riner, the spreader and cutter will be issued to the Deepstep Fire Department. The only thing they will lack to complete their rescue equipment set is a ram.
Davisboro Fire Department will be issued the ram. This will complete their rescue equipment set.
The total cost for these tools is $25,781.
EMA Director Riner explained to the Commissioners that these tools are “demo tools,” meaning that the company uses the tools in demonstrations for fire departments. This keeps the price low when counties/municipalities later purchase them.
When discussing the logic behind selecting the four departments, EMA Director Riner noted that they are all located on main roads in order to reduce response times.
Commissioner Frank Simmons moved to purchase the equipment; Commissioner James Hitchcock seconded, and the vote carried unanimously.