Signal Mountain to apply for fully funded rescue-squad grant; council hears fire-department turnover review

Signal Mountain officials said Nov. 24 they will seek a fully funded rescue-squad grant to replace aging hydraulic rescue equipment and that the town is reviewing firefighter turnover and staffing practices.

Town Manager Justice told the council the grant would cover a battery-powered hydraulic multi-tool — a spreader/cutter commonly called a "jaws of life" — and that the grant is fully funded so "there would be no cost coming out of the town's pocket." He said the town would likely move an older, gas-powered set into reserve and sell the current reserve equipment.

Fire Chief Sloan described the current equipment as three gas-powered tools with a central power unit and hoses. "We would basically be going from maintaining essentially four pieces of equipment down to one piece of equipment," Sloan said, adding that the battery-powered pack would match the department's other battery tools and should reduce maintenance.

Council members voiced support and asked for a photo and more detail; the council agreed to forward the resolution authorizing the grant application to the next regular meeting for a formal vote.

On staffing, Justice briefed the council on an internal review into recent turnover in the fire department, saying the town found "several areas where we could make improvements," including clearer communication of pay ranges, placement of personnel within pay bands and stronger performance-review practices. He said the town has begun realignment and will advertise vacancies with wider pay-range information to attract applicants.

Justice also announced new hires, including Chelsea Bridal as community development director and firefighter Baylor Lockhart. Council members thanked staff for the review and called the actions a first step in an ongoing process to stabilize staffing.