Volunteer FDs get new tanker/pumpers
GC NEW TANKER/PUMPER – On Wednesday afternoon, July 19, Gibson County Mayor Tom Witherspoon handed the keys to Gibson County Fire Chief Bryan Cathey to the county’s new tanker/pumpers as Rob Goad, grant writer, looks on. Both truck hold 3,000 gallons of water and have a 1,000 gallons per-minute pump. (Photo by Lori Cathey)
Gibson County rural fire stations Moore’s Chapel and Brazil each received a tanker/pumper truck Wednesday morning at the EOC office in Trenton. Mayor Tom Witherspoon and the Gibson County Commission approved the purchase of the trucks in the November 9 county commission meeting in 2015. Northwest TN Development District grant writer Rob Goad, who wrote the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Block grant, said the trucks in total were $420,000 but the grant covered $300,000 of the purchase.
County Mayor Tom Witherspoon said, “First I would like to thank the County Commission for pursuing the CDBG grant. I would also like to thank the fire committee and Fire Chief Bryan Cathey for working with Rob Goad to secure equipment to help the county to stay within budget.”
“It was a long process but I’m proud that we were able to get the trucks for our firefighters and community. Our firefighters work hard and they deserve the best to work with,” Fire Committee Chairman Robin Summers said.
Moore’s Chapel Station 2 received a fully equipped, new tanker pumper and Brazil Station 3 received a certified, used tanker pumper truck. Both tanker/pumpers hold 3,000 gallons of water and have a 1,000 gallons per-minute pump.
“The two new tanker/pumpers will help us provide better and safer service to our customers. In the county, when there is a fire we have to bring our firefighting water with us. These 3,000 gallon tanker/pumpers will be a big help,” said Chief Cathey.
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) is the largest grant that the Office of Community Development offers. It is also the most flexible in its eligible activities, which include: administration, housing, infrastructure and improvements, as well as a variety of other activities. Funds are awarded to carry out a wide range of community development activities directed toward neighborhood revitalization, economic development, and the provision of improved community facilities and services in small cities across the state.
“To win a grant as a rural community is one of the great benefits of the CDBG program, which is on the federal cropping block. This is one of the few ways we can see first-hand our tax dollars finding their way back into our rural community, “added Mayor Witherspoon.
