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Greenville expands regional rescue capacity with USAR agreement; police to receive JAG funds for less‑lethal gear
Summary
Council approved a renewed interagency urban search‑and‑rescue mutual aid agreement with New Bern and accepted a JAG grant application to purchase less‑lethal equipment; staff described USAR capabilities, a recent multi‑hour deployment and a state grant to support the team.
Greenville will continue to host a regional Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) capability and expand interagency partnerships after City Council approval on April 9.
Fire Chief Jeremy Anderson and Battalion Chief Brad Johnson explained the USAR task force’s role and regional reach. "We can respond within four hours and be self‑sufficient for 72 hours," Johnson said, describing search, technical rescue, medical and logistics capabilities and specialized equipment trailers and boats. The presentation cited a recent response to Herford County as an example of the task force's regional role.
Johnson told council the team has a roster of roughly 68 personnel between partner agencies, deploys up to 35 personnel on a Type‑3 activation, and is working to add additional agency partners to strengthen regional capacity. Council approved an interagency mutual‑aid agreement with the City of New Bern and encouraged further partnership expansion.
On related public‑safety funding, Deputy Chief K.Z. Thomas reported the Greenville Police Department will apply for a $27,760 Edward Byrne Memorial JAG award (the sheriff’s office will receive a matching award) and intends to use the city share for less‑lethal equipment such as OC spray, pepper balls and tasers. Council approved the application.
Council also recognized state grant revenue to support USAR equipment and training, which was reflected in the budget ordinance amendment approved later in the meeting.
