Guymon accepts state OERSSIRF grant to update EMS gear, authorizes application for next year

The Guymon City Council approved acceptance of a state OERSSIRF grant and authorized purchases of medical, communications and training equipment tied to the award. Council members also authorized the Guymon Fire Department to apply for the FY26 OERSSIRF grant.

Spencer, the EMS chief, told the council the city applied for the OERSSIRF grant in February and was awarded funding for both proposed grant projects. He said the grant will allow the city to update medical equipment, add devices to recently acquired ambulances and upgrade radio infrastructure that supports EMS and fire responses across much of Texas County.

Spencer said the grant will provide approximately $175,000 in equipment funds and that the city’s remaining direct cost for the FY25 projects is about $10,000. At the council meeting he gave specific cost approvals: a motion recorded in the minutes authorized Project 1 purchases at $166,776.50 and Project 2 purchases at $127,059.46.

Spencer told the council the grant-funded purchases would include replacement cardiac monitors and “Lucas devices” (automatic chest-compression devices) to equip ambulances acquired from Texoma and others. He described ongoing provider education and training as part of the grant’s allowable activities and said some staff time can be built into project budgets as match.

Council members approved the acceptance and purchases by recorded vote (four ayes). Separately, the council authorized the fire department to apply for the next OERSSIRF round (FY26); Spencer said the FY26 announcement posted June 4 and closes July 2, and staff still need to finalize a project budget before filing.

The council did not record any abstentions. No council member raised objections to the grants; some members commended staff on grant-seeking work and the department’s prior success obtaining equipment through grants.