Washington County Commissioners will consider purchasing new rescue equipment at their Thursday, April 14 meeting.
Washington County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director Russell Riner attended the Tuesday, April 12 workshop to discuss the County’s need for new equipment.
When discussing the needed equipment, EMA Director Riner explained that he’s requesting airbags that are used to lift vehicles off of injured individuals during emergency situations. The current equipment was purchased in the 1980s.
Riner presented a quote from Municipal Emergency Services in the amount of $10,315 for five bags and the inflation controllers.
In addition to the airbags, EMA Director Riner also requested harnesses, helmets, and personal flotation devices.
“We want to upgrade to the better harnesses that will be beneficial if we have to get a victim out of a well, which we’ve had to do in the last couple of years,” said Riner.
The cost for the additional equipment was $3,377, bringing the total requested by Riner to $13,692. He noted that these items were budgeted.
“This equipment is badly needed,” said Riner. “Our current equipment has served its purposes and saved lives, and we want to continue to provide these guys with safe, updated equipment.”
Commissioners will vote on whether or not to purchase the equipment on Thursday.
In addition, Commissioners will also recognize Tonny Latimer and Evelyn Brown during their meeting on Thursday, April 14. Latimer and Brown recently retired from the County.
County Administrator Dustin Peebles announced a beer and wine application during the Tuesday, April 12 workshop. The application was submitted by Divyesh Patel regarding the convenience store located in the County on East McCarty Street. County Administrator Peebles explained that this application will need to run in the County’s legal organ prior to Commissioners voting on the request.
The Washington County Commissioners’ meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 14 at 9 a.m.