Fire dept. receives first shipment of new equipment

  • The Fannin County Fire Department has received the new updated air packs and accompanying equipment that are part of $1.7 million approved by the county Board of Commissioners. Funding comes through a USDA grant that does not require any matching funds and American Rescue Plan Act monies.
    The Fannin County Fire Department has received the new updated air packs and accompanying equipment that are part of $1.7 million approved by the county Board of Commissioners. Funding comes through a USDA grant that does not require any matching funds and American Rescue Plan Act monies.
  • Post One Commissioner Johnny Scearce, Deputy EMA Director Patrick Cooke, and Commission Chairman Jamie Hensley stand equipped with the three of the 76 new air packs received by the fire department.
    Post One Commissioner Johnny Scearce, Deputy EMA Director Patrick Cooke, and Commission Chairman Jamie Hensley stand equipped with the three of the 76 new air packs received by the fire department.
  • The new air packs include swiveling lumbar support and voice amplification for added safety.
    The new air packs include swiveling lumbar support and voice amplification for added safety.

    The Fannin County Fire Department has received  the first shipment of over $1.7 million worth of new equipment. The Fannin County Board of Commissioners approved this equipment upgrade in June.

    The equipment received on August 24 includes 176 harnesses, 164 forty-five minute oxygen canisters, and 126 face pieces. The overall cost for these air pack upgrades sits at $619,820, and were supplied by Fireline-MSA. Commission Chairman Jamie Hensley said that the previous air packs were nearing the end of their lifespan, and the fire department desperately needed the new breathing equipment for the safety of its staff.

    The elation and excitement among the EMS and firefighters was evident when the equipment arrived this past Thursday. Post 1 Commissioner Johnny Scearce remarked that watching them open the boxes of new equipment reminded him of children opening Christmas presents.

    Deputy EMA Patrick Cooke worked to secure a USDA grant, with American Rescut Plan Act funding added for a $1.7 million upgrade to all equipment.

    Additional equipment is on its way, including a rescue pumper and a  mini-pumper/quick attack vehicle.

    Fire Chief Larry Thomas said that upgrades to the self contained breathing apparatus gear includes voice amplification devices, lumbar back support, and updated electronic displays.