Trousdale County first responders discuss staffing gaps, grant-funded gear and FEMA-approved hazard plan

Trousdale County first responders reported continuing staffing and equipment challenges and described several grant-funded purchases Tuesday evening while officials said the county's updated hazard mitigation plan has received FEMA approval.

At the Trousdale County First Responders meeting, law enforcement officials said the department is short-staffed, rescue volunteers described new swiftwater training and grant purchases, EMS said it remains fully staffed, and a state Homeland Security special agent introduced his role as a liaison with local agencies.

The staffing shortage in the sheriff's office was the meeting's most immediate concern. "Right now, we're currently 7 officers short," a law enforcement representative said, describing recent departures and difficulty finding qualified applicants. The office reported 1,593 complaint cards on the dispatch log over the past 30 days, 75 adult arrests and five juvenile arrests in the past month, and detailed recent inmate and warrant-processing figures.

The sheriff's office also said it is ordering new vehicles, has upgraded to TASER 10 models and is preparing to issue 25 Axon body cameras after county commission authorization. The office reported a drone purchase…