Inez Fire Department secures grants for lifesaving equipment, water rescue boat

Inez Volunteer Fire Department Chief Lee Gauze accepts a check from Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty on Tuesday. The fiscal court’s contribution fulfills local match requirements on two grants that will pay for vital fire department equipment. Pictured left to right: Assistant Fire Chief Nick Endicott, Lafferty, Gauze, firefighter Alex Adams and Emergency Management director Clyde Adams.(Citizen photo by Roger Smith)  

BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — The Inez Volunteer Fire Department will receive two major grants to enhance its equipment and capabilities.

A $213,000 grant from FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters program will fund the purchase of 20 self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBAs) essential for firefighters entering hazardous environments. The department will also use a $65,000 grant from the USDA to acquire a jet boat for water rescues and a battery-powered Jaws of Life.

“We’re grateful for both grants,” Inez Fire Chief Lee Gauze said, noting that the department faced stiff competition from fire departments across the country to secure FEMA funding.

“This will benefit our department and the entire county. We will take it all over the county and be able to respond wherever we’re needed. And the other fire departments do the same for us. We all work together because it takes all of us to take care of things.”

The new SCBAs will bring a significant upgrade to the department, which currently operates with just 12 air packs.

Gauze explained the importance of this equipment, which enables firefighters to breathe clean air while inside burning buildings or cars.

Inez firefighter Jarrod Slone demonstrates a self-contained breathing apparatus. His department will purchase 20 new units thanks to an Assistance to Firefighters Grant. (Citizen photo by Roger Smith)

“They’re vital, lifesaving tools,” he said. “With the grant, we’ll be able to equip every seated position in our trucks, which is how the grant allocation is determined.”

In addition to the air packs, the new boat will be a game-changer for water rescues.

“It’ll be a flat-bottom boat with a propeller motor, allowing us to reach low-water areas to assist people,” Gauze explained. “Currently, we use an older inflatable boat, which requires a lot of setup time. When we know a flood is coming, we spend a whole day getting ready. With the new boat, we’ll be ready to respond anytime.”

The battery-powered Jaws of Life will also streamline rescue operations.

“It’s one solid unit, which is pretty nice. Instead of hauling multiple pieces of equipment over the hill at a scene, we’ll just put in a battery and go,” Gauze said. “One person can carry it and start cutting versus needing a whole team to set up.”

The department will also use the grants to acquire other much-needed rescue tools, including axes and stabilizer bars for use in vehicle accidents.

To meet the local match requirements for the two grants, the Martin County Fiscal Court provided the department with a check for $26,509, using funds from the American Rescue Plan Act.

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