The council approved donating five surplus radios Sept. 2 to CAFC9, a volunteer organization that assists Statesboro and Bullock County fire departments with victim assistance, firefighter rehab and other non-firefighter duties.

Staff and chief explanation: Staff member Kennedy said the city recently upgraded radios and that the replaced units remain serviceable but are not preferred for internal firefighter use. Fire Chief (recorded as "Chief") explained CAFC9 responds alongside fire departments for structure fires and victim assistance and has recently moved under the umbrella of Bullock EMA and BOAD. "These radios are still serviceable ... they're harder to find parts to repair, so that's another reason that this will be a good bridge for them until they can figure out, you know, long term solution," the chief said.

Why it matters: The donation will provide immediate communications capability to CAFC9 volunteers, supporting coordinated response at incidents and victim support operations. Staff said the transfer helps a longstanding volunteer group continue operations while they seek long-term equipment solutions.

Council action: The council approved the transfer after the chief and staff described CAFC9's mission and the radios's condition.