Gibson County Fire Department Receives Major Grant
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TRENTON, Tenn. – A relentless push by officials in Gibson County has lead to a major grant for the fire department, officials announced at Monday’s county commission meeting. “I think it’s a great example of what working together and pulling in the same direction as a county can do,” said Gibson County Mayor Tom Witherspoon. Through the work of Bryan Cathey, James Fountain and Kris Todd, the county received what they called a “much needed” $573,000 grant. Officials said their current equipment was outdated. “We get new hoses, nozzles, and a thermal imaging camera, which is new technology,” said Gibson County Fire Chief Bryan Cathey. “We can actually see the heat through the smoke. It allows us to find people trapped in houses quicker. We also get three sets of vehicle extraction equipment.” Officials said with the addition of the new equipment, fire fighting, and emergency response as a whole, will become much safer in Gibson County. “It’s going to outfit them for the equipment they need to keep them safe,” said Milan Fire Chief James Fountain. “It will help them respond effectively and efficiently to the community and do their job, which is to rescue people, put out fires, and try to save property. The benefit will not just be for the firefighters, as officials believe it will help keep the public safer. “It’ll make it more likely that we can get in there and get out quicker,” said Cathey. “And the quicker you get them out, they better chance they have of surviving a fire.” Officials said they have already received some of the new gear, and they expect the rest of it in by mid-summer.
