Federal Grants Help City Emergency Services
by Andy Ashby/ashby@dctribune.com
Olive Branch is using federal grant money to shore up the city's emergency services. Part of the Domestic Preparedness Equipment Grant, distributed through the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), is being distributed belatedly. The grant was tabbed to end April 30. However, much of the grant is being used after that date. The initial grant, which is Homeland Security money filtered down to the state level, was $44,700. Olive Branch spent $21,262.41 installing a security system at the city's water tower. That left a remaining balance of $23,437.59. MEMA approved an extension of the grant and the fire department will spend the rest of the money. "Actually, they reap the benefits of some of the money the city did not spend on the water system," director of community development Peggy Linton said. The city is using the money to buy 15 handheld Motorola MTX-8250 radios. It will replace many of their existing radios. "It's an upgrade in communications," assistant chief Scott Phillips said. "The ones we have now sometimes they are affected by water, while the new radios are sealed. They're more durable and safer for the personnel." The Olive Branch Fire Department also got a portable lighting system. The system has four 1,000-watt bulbs, which rise on a telescopic pole. It illuminates seven and a half acres. "It's able to be used for any incidents, whether it be special operations or any type of accident after dark, anything that would require a bunch of light," Phillips said. The Olive Branch Police Department is also getting federal grant money, with two grants administered by Mississippi Department of Public Safety office of Homeland Security. The first grant is $23,500. "That money is earmarked for personal protection equipment for police officers. Many times, they are the first responders and they don't have some of the equipment the firefighters would have if there was an act of terrorism with chemicals," Linton said. That would include equipment such as a liquid splash resistant suit, detection equipment and decontamination equipment, such as a personal Hazardous material shower. "They would be able to protect themselves before the firefighters were on the scene," Linton said. The police department's also got a State Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention grant. This is worth $41,300. The city might be using the money to buy a mobile command unit. Linton said she and her staff would continue trying to find federal grants to help the police and fire departments.
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