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Jay County to inventory Rescue 19 equipment as chiefs signal organization may disband
Summary
Emergency Management reported Rescue 19 has reduced membership and limited runs this year; commissioners asked staff to inventory equipment, notify departments of availability, and research disposition with a possible ordinance repeal to follow.
Emergency Management Director Samantha Rhodehamel updated the commissioners that Rescue 19 currently lists three active and three inactive members and has responded to roughly 15 runs this year. Local emergency agency chiefs reportedly no longer see a need for the joint organization.
Rhodehamel said several departments expressed interest in Rescue 19 equipment. County Attorney Wes Schemenaur advised notifying each county department in writing about the available inventory; if no county department claims items, the equipment could be offered at auction to other agencies or departments. Rhodehamel noted that excess grant funds have already allowed local fire departments to obtain battery-operated extrication tools.
Commissioners unanimously approved a motion by Rex Journay, seconded by Brian McGalliard, asking Emergency Management to research vehicle options, prepare an inventory of Rescue 19 equipment, and present findings to the board. The minutes note that once inventory and transfers are handled, the next likely step will be repealing the ordinance that established Rescue 19 if dissolution is appropriate.
