Newton County approves $1.84 million heavy rescue purchase, authorizes multiple fire‑safety grant applications

Newton County commissioners on Feb. 3 approved purchase of a heavy rescue apparatus and a package of grant applications and funding requests aimed at expanding emergency response capacity.

The board authorized a purchase from Suttman Corporation for a heavy rescue apparatus priced at $1,341,538 and related equipment ($500,000), for a total listed in the agenda as $1,841,538. The board recorded the purchase as the second and final request for this apparatus and approved the contract unanimously.

Commissioners also voted to authorize multiple grant applications for the county’s fire services. The board approved applying for: a Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition grant (no local match required); a congressional directed spending request to buy medical equipment (amount to be determined if awarded); an Assistance to Firefighters Grant (proposed grant $500,000; 10% match if awarded) to buy LUCAS CPR devices and other equipment; and a Firehouse Subs grant ($40,000, no match) to purchase two LUCAS devices. The board further authorized applying for a FEMA Fire Prevention & Safety grant to buy a fire‑safety education trailer (budgeted $180,000 with a 5% match, $9,000), and approved seeking a Walmart community grant ($5,000, no match) to build a third life‑jacket loaner station.

County Manager James Brown and members of the public highlighted recent emergency operations center activity during winter weather and commended first responders. In public comment, Dennis Taylor—who identified himself as representing Districts 1 and 5—commended the fire chief for pursuing grants that he said relieve pressure on property taxes and provide necessary equipment for firefighter safety.

Several of the grant authorizations were described as time‑sensitive; staff emphasized that, when awards are received, the board will be asked to accept and appropriate any required local match funding. The Assistance to Firefighters and other competitive grants will return to the board for acceptance if awarded.