ATHENS-Athens Fire and Rescue can better respond to emergencies on railroads, walking trails and tornado disaster sites with its new all-terrain vehicle with a trailer and 75-gallon water tank with pump.
The department received a total of $25,000 in TVA-in-lieu-of-tax grants to fund the purchase. Sen. Bill Holtzclaw, R-Madison, and Rep. Dan Williams, R-Athens, each gave a $12,500 grant to fund the equipment.
“I am happy to be able to assist and equip the first responders in every way possible as they serve and protect the residents,” Sen. Holtzclaw said.
Athens Fire and Rescue Chief Tony Kirk said accidents and emergencies can happen in secluded areas or disasters can occur that result in debris blocking roadways, preventing a fire engine from reaching the area.
“This vehicle will benefit the citizens by providing Fire and Rescue another tool to respond quickly and access these hard to reach areas,” Kirk said. “We are thankful that Sen. Holtzclaw and Rep. Williams support our efforts to have the equipment needed to respond quickly.”
The tank will also allow firefighters to use this vehicle to battle brush fires. Firefighters can use the trailer to haul supplies or an injured person.
Kirk cited the following examples where this vehicle can be utilized:
● To access a neighborhood after a tornado if debris has blocked access via roadways.
● To reach an injured hiker on the Swan Creek Greenway, which has areas that are only accessible via the trail.
● To battle a brush fire along the railroad track in a section not accessible by road.
● For use at special events, such as on The Square, where larger vehicles are an impediment.
“Public safety is one of the elements a city must focus on, and I want to thank Sen. Holtzclaw and Rep. Williams for assisting Athens in keeping public safety a priority by funding the purchase of this equipment,” Mayor Ronnie Marks said.
In addition, Athens Fire and Rescue provides first response Hazmat services to all of Limestone County, and there are situations, including along the railroad tracks, where this equipment can be of use.
“I am happy that our Legislative Delegation was able to participate in a project that will be beneficial to all our citizens in Limestone County,” Williams said. “People in emergencies need help quickly. This equipment will allow our public safety personnel to respond quickly to assist our citizens during these times
