Cookeville applying for an estimated $190,000 grant in hopes of purchasing new training equipment for the city’s fire department.
Cookeville Fire Chief Benton Young said the Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness Grant is administered by the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency. With I-40 and Highway 111 being popular routes to transport hazardous chemicals, Young said the fire department needs more hazardous material equipment.
“We have a limited availability as far as when we are on scene to have a hazmat incident of identic fine chemicals and gases, and materials, that’s why we are applying for this grant,” Young said. “You know, requesting through this grant, we would be looking to get some training equipment and analyzers.”
Young said the grant requires the city to provide a 20 percent match, which would cost an estimated $39,000.Young said he is just trying to help the city’s growth by acquiring more equipment.
“Well, with the growth, everything comes with real cause right,” Young said. “So we are just trying to get ahead of the curve versus staying behind.”
The listed tools and training resources are an XplorIR Gas Analyzer, VipIR Chemical and Substance Analyzer, HazSim Pro 3.0 Training System, MC 306-406 Simulator and Clamps, and Level A hazmat suits. The council asked about the shelf life of the hazmat suits. Young said the shelf life is five years.
The council approved applying for the grant during Thursday’s council meeting with a unanimous vote.
