Beaufort County emergency services presented two grant opportunities and the board authorized staff to submit applications.

The first is a 90/10 Assistance to Firefighters (AFG) opportunity for a fully equipped ambulance to support 9‑1‑1 transports. Emergency Services described a fully equipped ambulance purchase price in the presentation (including monitor and powered stretcher) totaling $458,427; the federal share would be roughly $412,000 with a local match near $45,842 if awarded. The department noted that AFG awards are reviewed in spring and awards would likely be announced in summer; staff asked for permission to apply because any required local match would need to be planned for in budgets. The board approved the request to apply.

The second opportunity is a State and Local Cybersecurity Program (SLCGP) grant to buy two portable DANS (deployable ad hoc network systems) suitcases that use Starlink satellite connectivity for emergency communications. Emergency Services described using one unit with the command trailer and one kept at headquarters to support operations when terrestrial connectivity is down; packages proposed include three years of a pre‑purchased Starlink data allotment (a usage model where emergency data blocks are bought and activated as needed). The grant is a 70/30 split with total equipment and three‑year subscription costs cited in the materials at $50,000 and a local match of $15,000; the board authorized staff to apply.

Commissioners asked about vehicle chassis standards for ambulances and confirmed a county livery and appearance scheme for EMS vehicles; emergency services said county frontline ambulances use white chassis with reflective gray striping and that contracted municipal ambulance providers may use different paint schemes.