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Bradley County Fire & Rescue seeks AEDs, turnout gear and radios; commissioners debate mechanic hire and lift/pit options
Summary
Fire Chief Jeff Stewart presented equipment‑and‑staffing requests — replacement AEDs, turnout gear, radio upgrades, a proposed mechanic position and a full‑time fire marshal — and discussed retention, volunteer increases and infrastructure needs; commissioners raised cost and facility questions including whether a lift or pit is justified.
Chief Jeff Stewart told the commission Bradley County Fire & Rescue is requesting replacements and personnel to maintain safety and fleet readiness, and said a recruit class due to graduate May 16 will bring the department to full staffing.
Stewart identified several budget priorities: replacement automated external defibrillators (AEDs) purchased after a 2013 grant are aging (the department cited roughly 10 units and roughly $3,000 per unit as planning figures), turnout gear that has a roughly 10‑year service life and is now being rotated out, and radios that date to 2008 and need phased replacement to align with countywide radio upgrades. On personnel, Stewart described a request to hire a mechanic to reduce outsourcing costs and to convert a part‑time/fire‑marshal role to full‑time; he said the current marshal works 24 hours in a…
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