Rescue squads report new vehicle deliveries, federal vehicle acquisition plan and equipment repairs
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Summary
Chief Carroll and squad representatives updated the commission on a new Rescue 2 body, plans to obtain used federal vehicles, a delayed Rescue 3 pickup, station door repairs and compressor safety concerns.
Chief Carroll and commissioners reviewed recent vehicle and equipment activity March 27, including the delivery of a new Rescue 2 body, a planned used‑federal‑vehicle acquisition program, and several repair items affecting station readiness.
Chief Carroll said the new Rescue 2 body was picked up from the body company in Columbia and is at Diamond T for graphics and will return to motor pool for installation of lights and radios. "That'll be ready next week probably," Chief Carroll said. He added that Rescue 3's new pickup is on order but delayed to August.
Carroll described a federal program that allows squads to acquire used federal vehicles through vendors in Columbia; those vehicles become county assets for three years and then are signed over to the squad. "They're interested in getting a used Explorer... the squad uses their funds to buy the funds to the county. It's a county asset for three years," Carroll said.
Commissioners and squad representatives also reported maintenance and safety issues. Region 3 reports and station leaders said Rescue 4's main bay door is awaiting parts and that the door panel is being replaced under warranty. Dive and special rescue units discussed upgrades and equipment purchases: one unit reported voting to stage an oxygen bottle and ordered new weights and knives; rescue marine units are pursuing quotes to outfit boats 701 and 703 with lights and sunshades.
Commissioners raised concerns about an older military compressor that unloads at 5,000 pounds and the need for end‑line regulators or replacement to avoid overpressurizing tanks. "It's a 5,000 pound compressor and that you have to watch it... it may not [unload properly]," one commissioner said, and staff said newer compressors are rated higher and the county can stage a newer trailer with faster fill capability if needed.
Staff said they will follow up with parts vendors and Motor Pool on door repairs, pursue quotes for marine upgrades, and coordinate compressor inspections and potential part orders before field deployment.