Tullahoma transfers hazardous-materials unit to Coffee County EMA but retains access

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted 6-0 to transfer ownership of the Tullahoma Fire Department’s hazardous-materials truck (706) and trailer to the Coffee County Emergency Management Agency (EMA). City and fire officials said the vehicles were obtained through federal Homeland Security funding and that the county EMA will now house and maintain the truck and trailer. “It is my understanding as long as it stays within the district, then you can do that,” one city official said, referring to grant conditions for equipment transfer. Fire leadership told the board the change will not reduce the city’s hazmat response capability. The Fire Chief said the equipment will remain available for Tullahoma incidents and that the city will continue joint training with district partners. “This is not gonna change our hazardous materials response to our community,” a fire official said, adding the logistics will be easier because EMA will deliver the unit to incident sites when needed. The board approved the transfer with no expected shortfall in service and with the understanding EMA will handle maintenance and associated expenses going forward.