County approves $370,750 emergency-services grant matches for volunteer fire departments

Craven County commissioners voted Sept. 2 to approve a $370,750 budget amendment that provides local matching funds for Department of Insurance grants awarded to multiple volunteer fire departments across the county.

Emergency services director Stanley Kite presented the grants, saying several volunteer departments had each been notified of grant awards and now sought county matches so they could finalize equipment purchases. Kite introduced chiefs and presidents from participating departments who described their requested purchases.

Chief Blake Felt of Little Switzerland Volunteer Fire Department asked the county for a $40,000 match to pair with a $40,000 state award to buy a Kenworth T380 chassis for equipment remounts; he said the chassis price was $110,957 and delivery was expected quickly because the unit was available. "We're asking the county for $40,000 to match the $40,000 we're receiving from the state towards purchasing a new, cabin chassis for our equipment truck," Felt said.

Vanceborough Fire Department Chief Lewis listed turnout gear, a portable hydraulic ram, portable radios and other PPE totaling $40,180; he said the department requested a $20,090 match. Dover Fire Department requested roughly $30,000 for replacement turnout gear, extrication gloves, pagers and hose. Code City (referred to in the meeting as "Coast City/Code City") asked for $30,000 for SCBA packs, bottles and mobile radios.

Fort Monroe Volunteer Fire Department requested a $40,000 match tied to a larger state allocation of $87,075.74; Fort Monroe also listed thermal imaging cameras, hose and PPE among its items. Township 9 requested $25,285 to fund turnout gear, a hydraulic cutter and complementary rescue equipment.

After staff clarified a typographical error in the agenda (Vanceborough's match was listed as $2,090 but the chief said $20,090), a commissioner moved to approve the consolidated budget amendment. The board approved the amendment by roll-call vote with all commissioners voting yes.

The county manager and emergency services director said the funds will allow departments to complete purchases for protective equipment and rescue tools, and the request included allowance for sales tax, shipping and related charges in some department totals. Commissioners and staff praised volunteer departments and noted the purchases will support county-wide emergency response and training at a regional public-safety training facility under development.