In a recent city council meeting, Assistant Chief Jeff Gilchrist presented a proposal for the acquisition of a new cardiac monitor for the fire department, emphasizing the critical need for updated equipment to enhance emergency medical services. The current monitor, a Phillips ParkStart model, is nearing the end of its service life and will no longer be supported, prompting the department to seek alternatives.

Gilchrist highlighted the department's history with cardiac monitors, noting that two were received as a donation from Mary Greeley in 2018, which significantly improved their ability to respond to cardiac emergencies. The new monitor, priced at approximately $30,000, is essential for maintaining the department's advanced life support capabilities. Thanks to a generous $15,000 grant from Prairie Meadows, the department aims to cover half the cost of the new equipment.

The proposed monitor, while two years old, has never been used and offers advanced features such as 12-lead EKG capability, blood pressure monitoring, and defibrillation. Gilchrist clarified that the department does not require telemetry capabilities, which are typically used for real-time data transmission to hospitals during transport, as they do not operate ambulances.

The council unanimously approved the motion to purchase the monitor for $16,000, significantly less than the retail price, reflecting the department's commitment to enhancing life-saving measures in the community. The meeting also included the approval of a retail cigarette and tobacco permit for Dollar General and a special class C retail alcohol license for Cloudline LLC, indicating ongoing business developments in the area.