Tate County has received a $356,363 grant to purchase much needed equipment for its rural fire departments.
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant provides financial and technical assistance to Mississippi fire departments in cities or communities with a population under 10,000. The primary objectives of the program are saving lives and protecting property in rural areas.
Kim Brownlee, Emergency Management Director/ Fire Coordinator for Tate County, and Assistant Fire Coordinator Neal Copeland applied for the grant in February after earning authorization from the Board of Supervisors which will allocate 10 percent in matching funds, a requirement for receiving the grant.
“After meeting with chiefs from the volunteer fire departments in the county, it was determined the greatest needs this year is to upgrade SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus) and provide gas detection devices for each fire station,” said County Administrator Cole Massie.
The Tate County Board of Supervisors has worked extensively with volunteer fire departments over the last few years to address individual needs so they can continue to provide emergency services, according to Massie.
During that time, county fire chiefs expressed a desire to begin the process to run rescue services in the unincorporated county. Supervisors granted that request, provided training, and purchased rescue tools in the amount of $162,000.
Additionally, Supervisors upgraded the communication system by implementing E-dispatches at a cost of $2,500 and upgraded radio communications by investing $398,000 to purchase new MSWIN radios. When the COVID pandemic began, Supervisors applied for and received a grant for personal protective equipment for $32,000 to ensure firefighters’ safety while responding to calls.
“Volunteer firefighters are an integral part of Tate County’s emergency services,” Massie explained. “They serve citizens by responding to emergency, fire, rescue and medical calls, which forces them to miss time with their families and from their personal lives. The Board of Supervisors thanks them for their service to our county.”
Tony Sandridge, President of the Board of Supervisors, said public funding to support volunteer fire departments is limited, but many residents within each county fire district have provided private funds to support their efforts.
“We appreciate your continued support of these fire departments,” Sandridge said. “Supervisors will continue to apply for federal and state grants to provide them with the equipment they need to provide the best emergency services for Tate County citizens.”
