Board OKs $1.3M for fire department equipment

The Henry County Board of Commissioners voted Dec. 17 to approve a $1,348,036.91 expenditure for the purchase of power stretchers, power load systems and stair chairs for the Henry County Fire Department.

According to officials, a powered stretcher lift system will provide safety enhancements for injured people who require ambulance transport as well as the personnel assigned to move them, making it easier to get the injured parties from ground level into ambulances.

The HCFD was previously approved for funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security under an Assistance to Firefighters Grant in the amount of $1,268,818.18 with a required local match of $126,881.82. That money is available in the HCFD’s budget.

The equipment is being purchased from Stryker EMS.