Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the First Responder Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Keith County approves grant application for vehicle-to-driver alert system to protect first responders
Summary
The board authorized Emergency Management to apply for a state grant to install a HAWS alert system on county emergency vehicles; the board recorded a motion to proceed and approved $76,893 as the project cost in the discussion.
The Keith County Board of Commissioners authorized Emergency Manager Dave Kling to apply for a state grant to equip county emergency vehicles with a HAWS vehicle-to-driver alert system intended to reduce secondary accidents and improve responder safety.
Presenters said the system broadcasts an electronic alert that can interrupt some in-vehicle entertainment or navigation systems and warn approaching drivers of an incident or lane closure ahead. Emergency management staff and local chiefs said the system would also integrate with mapping apps and allow incident commanders to mark road closures electronically.
David Kling described the project as a safety measure and told the board, "Our primary goal is our responder safety." Staff reported an installation and annual-support price per vehicle and said the initial grant request would cover upfront purchase and installation for the county's emergency fleet. The meeting record shows an identified project cost of $76,893 for the initial purchase and installation.
Commissioner Anderson moved to authorize Emergency Manager Dave Kling to move forward with the grant request; Schroeder seconded. The board approved the motion by roll-call vote (Irvin: yes; Schroeder: yes; Anderson: yes; Crandall: yes). Staff will pursue the state grant and, if awarded, implement installations through emergency management.
