Trending
PERRY TOWNSHIP -- Fire Chief Brandon Smith presented the board of trustees with his year-end report in its meeting Monday.
Fire Chief Brandon Smith said that in 2023 the department had received 414 calls, slightly less than in 2022, and that of that total 161 had been EMS related, while 153 were not, and 153 had taken place in the township's north side while 261 had occurred on the south side. Smith also said that the township had three confirmed structure fires, and had provided mutual aid 20 times, while receiving aid 31 times, several of which came as part of the department's automatic aid agreements with surrounding departments.
"These automatic aid agreements have been working out really well for everyone, especially with so many departments being short on manpower," said Smith.
Smith also said that the department had received $25,000 in MARCS grant funding, and an additional $10,000 from the township last January which had been used to purchase handheld radios for the township. Smith said the department also received an Elks grant for the purchase of two chainsaws and that it now had chainsaws on all its trucks save the tanker truck.
Smith also announced that the department had been awarded a $33,189.30 grant from MARCS, which trustees unanimously approved the acceptance of, to purchase new radio equipment. Smith said that he was hoping to purchase at least three truck radios and "some vehicle repeaters," for the department, which would leave two more trucks in need of radios.
Smith's news was not all positive, however, as he told trustees that engine 72 was experiencing issues. Smith explained that it had recently had issues with air and oil leaks and was having difficulty shifting gear. Smith said that while the oil leak had been repaired and a part to potentially repair the air leak had been ordered, the township would likely need to consider a replacement soon.
Trustees Chairman Steve Bailey asked if grant funding was available for new engines, which Smith confirmed. Smith said that Green Township had applied for grant funding for a new engine in the past and that he could contact them for additional information.
The board of trustees will meet next at 4 p.m. Feb. 12.