Washington County Commissioners unanimously voted to purchase new rescue equipment at their Thursday, April 14 meeting.
As previously reported by WACO 100, Washington County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director Russell Riner attended the Tuesday, April 12 workshop to discuss the County’s need for the new rescue equipment.
Washington County EMA Director Riner stated that he’s requesting inflatable airbags that are used to lift vehicles off injured individuals during emergency situations. He explained that the current equipment is outdated and was purchased in the 1980s.
EMA Director Riner presented the Commissioners with a quote from Municipal Emergency Services in the amount of $10,315 for five airbags and the inflation controllers for the bags.
After discussing the airbags, EMA Director Riner also reported the need for new safety equipment such as harnesses, rescue helmets, water 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.
EMA Director Riner stated that the cost for the additional safety equipment was $3,377; this brought the total amount requested by Riner to $13,692.
During his presentation to the Commissioners, Washington County EMA Director Riner stated that these items were budgeted.
“This equipment is badly needed,” said Riner. He added, “Our current equipment has served its purpose and saved lives, and we want to continue to provide these guys with safe, updated equipment.”
Washington County Commissioners voted to purchase the equipment during their April 14 meeting.