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The Board of Mayor and Aldermen recently approved the Fire Department’s application for an $18,000 grant from the Firehouse Subs Safety Foundation.

According to a memo from Fire Chief Kenneth Pearson, the Firehouse Subs Safety Foundation is a non-profit organization created to support first responders and public safety organizations with equipment and funding.

“The foundation has been giving back to organizations nationwide since 2005 and has given back over 60 million dollars to hometown heroes in 49 states and Puerto Rico.  The foundation provides funding resources, life-safety equipment, prevention education, training, and disaster relief support to first responders and public safety organizations,” stated Pearson.

Pearson further outlined that no matching funds are required for the application and the award will be announced within three months of applying. He also added the reason why the department was hoping to get the awarded funds.

“To purchase 18 individual thermal imaging cameras,” he stated. “The new cameras would be used for each riding position on the front-line engines. These will be used for firefighter safety as well as finding downed victims in a structure fire.”

He said they would also be used for finding lost victims in conjunction with the Tullahoma Police Department.

Firefighter Zach Smith provided further information in a statement to The News.

“We have finished the application,” he said. “It was completed on July 11. When this grant opens, you have to be ready to go because they only accept 600 applications.”

He said the department will know if they have been awarded the grant within three to four months and that applications are accepted four times a year.

“We are planning to purchase 18 Seek FirePro thermal imaging cameras. These are a smaller lightweight camera designed to work on turnout gear,” he said. “These will help enhance situational awareness and increase our fire fighters safety.”

Alderman Derick Mann made the motion to approve, and Alderman Daniel Berry seconded. The motion passed unanimously.