Sen. Chance secures big bucks for public safety
8/21/2008
Sen. Chance secures big bucks for public safety
By Cindy Morley
Public safety in Fayette County is getting a boost.
A big financial boost.
State Sen. Ronnie Chance was able to secure much-needed funding for Fayette County public safety services in the upcoming state budget.
According to Chance, state funds of $200,000 will be appropriated to Fayette County for the planning, design and construction of a new emergency operations center and public safety facility.
Also, Chance was able to secure an additional $9,000 in new funding to purchase thermal imaging devices for the Fayette County Fire Department.
“This is extremely beneficial equipment,” said Capt. Pete Nelms, Fayette County Emergency Management Coordinator.
The equipment is used as a heat detection device to locate trapped victims in a fire, as well as identifying the location of fires that are not visible, Nelms explained.
“I am pleased to have been a part of this process, which will provide improved emergency response and public safety services in Fayette County,” said Chance.
“I’d also like to acknowledge the efforts of the Fayette County public safety and EMS personnel. Their commitment to public safety and the well-being of Fayette citizens is to be commended.”
Sen. Chance requested the local assistance funding for Fayette County in the FY 09 budget, which was approved recently in the Georgia General Assembly.
The state will begin the process of appropriating all local assistance funding on July 1.
“The Emergency Operations Center has been a high capital improvements project for the Department of Fire and Emergency Services for a number of years,” said Nelms.
“We would like to thank Sen. Chance for his hard work in helping secure the funding for this facility.
“The Emergency Operations Center is the heart of activity and coordination during the department’s response and recovery to significant weather events in our county.”
“We are pleased that Sen. Chance has secured this funding for the emergency operations center and public safety facility,” said Jack Smith, Fayette Commission chairman.
“This is another example of county and state officials working collaboratively to fund critical infrastructure in Fayette County.”
Public safety in Fayette County is getting a boost.
