Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue Department has been awarded $28,000.00 in grant funds from FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters grant program.

The department plans to use the funds toward the purchase of a 26’ enclosed trailer to be used by the Fire Marshal’s Office for the purpose of fire investigations.

The unit will be climate controlled with capabilities of providing on-scene electricity, lighting, water, and tool storage. The unit will also provide a place for investigators to secure evidence, conduct interviews, and research or analyze fire scene conditions.

This trailer will allow the Fire Marshal’s Office to investigate a fire scene safely and efficiently without tying up other valuable MFRD resources.

The trailer will be available for other departments within the Urban Area Security Initiative’s District 5 including the Middle Tennessee counties of Cannon, Davidson, Rutherford, Sumner, Trousdale, Wilson, and Williamson.

The projected cost for the trailer is $35,000.00. The grant mandates an 80/20 federal rate sharing percentage, with MFRD providing the match of $7,000.00.

MFRD will also be responsible for purchasing tools and equipment to include computers, a printer, a portable generator, ventilation/cooling fans, and other items.  

“I cannot express how happy we are to have received this grant,” said Fire Chief Cumbey Gaines. “The department will benefit greatly from having our resources for fire investigations in one central location.”

Planning and review of specs for the trailer and equipment has begun. The department expects to have the trailer by early 2014.

Source: 

Ashley McDonald, Murfreesboro Fire and Rescue