Bolivar fire and police chiefs report storm response, training and grants

Fire and police leaders told the council about emergency response, staffing plans and training opportunities during the regular meeting. Fire Chief S11 reported the department responded to 94 fire calls (86 in the city and 8 in the county) during the reporting period, completed 252 training hours, installed 20 smoke alarms and carried out 17 fire-code inspections.

S11 asked the council to permit a temporary signature arrangement while he undergoes hand surgery and suggested using a power of attorney or notarized authorization so "Sarah" can sign bills and documents for about a month. The council advised S11 to follow up with the mayor and provide notarized authorization.

The fire department said it had been awarded a grant from the Tennessee State Fire Marshal's Office; the spoken amount in the transcript is ambiguous (rendered as "42,008 480") and S11 said the funds will buy handheld radios, turnout gear and a thermal-imaging camera and, if funds remain, mobile radios. S11 stressed continued reliance on volunteers and warned that losing volunteers could jeopardize future grant eligibility.

Police Chief John reported 560 calls for service, 112 citations, 15 accidents (one injury) and 32 arrests, and said several candidates are in hiring steps (psychological and drug screenings) with certification and academy attendance planned for March. Chiefs said staffing should be improved in about three to four weeks if current candidates complete the process.

Council offered condolences for longtime firefighter Emmett Boyer, who died recently; S11 asked for prayer for the Boyer family. S11 also invited council to a training class scheduled for March 14 and announced free public CPR courses in late May, June and July.