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Marshall County Fire approved second drone and countywide gas meters; officials discuss apparatus funding
Summary
Commissioners approved purchase of a second drone for the county fire service and authorized buying handheld gas meters for each fire department; fire leaders also discussed using a county special-projects fund for equipment versus apparatus and encouraged coordinated proposals from smaller departments.
Marshall County commissioners approved adding a second drone to the county fire-service fleet and authorized purchase of handheld gas meters for all departments, while fire leaders discussed how special-project funds should be used for personal protective equipment and shared technology rather than large apparatus.
John Broick, a fire-service representative, said the second drone would improve access for storm assessment, search operations and other emergencies when sheriff’s department drones are committed elsewhere. Commissioners discussed insurance, mutual-aid agreements and storage so the drones are available countywide; insurance consultant Mike Miley recommended titling and insuring the drones in the county’s name and creating mutual-aid or usage agreements so coverage and responsibility are clear.
The board approved the second drone by voice vote. Commissioners asked the fire service to prepare mutual-aid language and to coordinate training and FAA certification for drone operators.
Separately, the board approved a quote to purchase eight handheld gas meters (one for each department) at a total quoted cost of $18,009.97 from the vendor presented. The meters are the same type used by the regional gas utility for leak checks and include oxygen and other combustible-gas sensors; fire staff said the meters are useful for gas-free and confined-space checks as well as residential gas-leak responses. The motion to buy the meters passed by voice vote.
Fire leadership also discussed a broader question about how the county’s special-projects fund should be used. John said smaller departments continue to need gear such as radios, SCBA bottles and body armor; some departments have asked whether the county will support purchase or remounting of ambulances. Commissioners indicated the fund’s intent is equipment and PPE aimed at protecting personnel, and they encouraged smaller departments to assemble proposals aligning with that intent for future consideration.
