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Commission approves turnout gear, training contracts and three new ambulances for Shelby County Fire Department
Summary
Commissioners voted to fund firefighter turnout gear, paramedic training contracts and purchase three type‑1 ambulances, citing operational readiness and personnel training needs; the department also secured grant funds for turnout‑washing equipment to reduce occupational cancer risk.
Chief Benson presented several FY25 requests for the Shelby County Fire Department, describing routine replacement cycles and workforce development needs. The commission approved: 30 complete sets of personal protective turnout gear ($116,355.50); two paramedic education contracts ($125,000 each) to Dyersburg State and Southwest Tennessee Community College to train up to about 15 paramedics per contract year; three Ford F‑450 Type 1 ambulances ($1,012,605); and an Assistance to Firefighters Grant pairing to buy onsite turnout‑washers and related equipment.
"Turnout clothing are the protective equipment that firefighters use to go into burning and difficult structures," Chief Benson said, explaining the department rotates and replaces gear on a scheduled basis. On the washer grant, Chief Benson emphasized a health‑protection rationale: the equipment will allow firefighters to launder contaminated gear at stations to minimize cancer risk associated with soiled turnouts.
Commissioners voted each item by recorded tally during the public works committee; several commissioners asked about numbers trained per contracting dollar and about green‑fleet considerations for ambulances. Chief Benson said electric emergency vehicles raised reliability concerns for front‑line fire operations but the department is open to future opportunities to reduce carbon intensity when suitable technology is available.
