Scott County board approves $48,269 purchase for Johnson Fire Department rescue tools

The Scott County Redevelopment Board voted to approve $48,269.14 to help the Johnson Fire Department purchase modern rescue tools, board members said at the board’s Dec. 12 meeting.

The funding was authorized after Dwayne, a representative of the Johnson Fire Department, described the department’s current equipment as outdated and limited. “It's 27 years old,” Dwayne said of the department’s portable rescue set, which he said “won't do what the big one to do off the truck.” He told the board the department averages about “250 medical calls and car wrecks. 10 fires a year,” and that newer tools would expand what the volunteers can do in crash and rural-rescue situations.

The board discussed how the department’s portable set is limited by reach and capacity…