U.S. Rep. John Spratt announced last week that the Whitmire station has received a $120,175 grant to purchase a new ambulance.
Whitmire Rescue Squad Chief David Andrews says the new ambulance will replace the department’s 20-year-old rig.
Andrews says his department applied for two grants: one for equipment and the other for the ambulance. He added he had thought the equipment grant would be awarded, but was not, and is surprised that the ambulance one was given to his squad.
“This is the best news I have heard lately,” said Whitmire County Councilman Edgar Baker.
It will take the department a couple of months to write specs and open bidding on the new ambulance. Once the bid is awarded, the vehicle will be built. Given those obstacles, Andrews says the new truck should be in Whitmire by the end of the summer.
The grant issued through the Department of Homeland Security is part of a nationwide funding initiative designed to strengthen the nation’s ability to respond to fire and fire-related hazards and improve the nation’s overall level of preparedness.
“Our firefighters and emergency responders keep our communities safe 24/7,” Spratt said. “This grant ensures that they have the tools and training to serve the people of Whitmire.”
This year, Homeland Security grants have resulted in two new ambulances for the county. One is going to Whitmire and the other to Pomaria. Last year, the Chappells Rescue Squad was able to purchase an ambulance by receiving a similar grant.
“These guys are doing a great job of applying for these grants and getting them,” said Baker.
Every grant obtained is money the county doesn’t have to come up with, Baker added.
So far, grant awards for the three ambulances total more than $360,000.
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