The Tullahoma Fire Department is hoping to get grant money to replace aging equipment, including a one-ton diesel brush truck and turnout gear for all 28 firefighters.
Fire Chief Richard Shasteen says that the current brush truck has a 200 gallon tank and is used for brush fires in the summer and fall. He says the only off-road vehicle the fire department has is a 1986 GMC and lacks current safety equipment such as anti-lock brakes and air bags. The first of two grants would be used to buy a new truck. The grant is for $65,000 and city leaders will give another $3,250 for the purchase, if the department’s application is successful.
The second grant the department is applying for will be for the turnout gear. If awarded, the grant money total is $85,680, or $3,060 for each firefighter’s set of gear. The city will match 5 percent of this grant as well, valued at $4,284.
The turnout gear has a lifespan of 10 years.
Tullahoma Fire Department Applies for Grants
