Emergency management: Rescue 19 inventory dispersed; HMEP grant application approved

Samantha Rhodehamel, director of Emergency Management, told commissioners that "Rescue 19 is currently out of service" and provided an inventory of remaining equipment. She recommended keeping certain items for EMA use and offering other assets to local fire departments; county counsel cited IC 5‑22‑22‑12, which gives local fire departments right of first refusal on surplus emergency vehicles and equipment.

Commissioners directed staff to compile the inventory, notify Jay County fire departments of the items and allow reasonable offers; the board voted unanimously to disperse the remaining inventory. Rhodehamel also reported she is pursuing the HMEP (Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness) grant, which she said is capped at $20,000, and plans to use the funding for a full‑scale first‑responder training exercise. The commissioners approved the HMEP grant application.

Rhodehamel said county bridge work is complete but culvert work continues, and described ongoing cross‑border radio discussions with neighboring counties. She noted plans for a Progressive Agriculture Safety Day for 5th and 6th graders and an EMS pediatric mass‑casualty exercise.