Archives 07-21-2004

News

High winds slam Upper Cumberland
Hospital decontaminated after meth scare
Taylor's Crossroads VFD receives federal grant

High winds slam Upper Cumberland

Lyndon Johnson/OCN staff
The remains of a tree in Lonnie Breeding's yard, at the corner of Eckel Cemetery Road and Sulphur Road, gives evidence of burning after being struck by lightning during the July 13 storm. Many trees around the county were struck by lightning during the storm.

top of page

Hospital decontaminated after meth scare

photos by Dewain E. Peek/OCN staff
The lobby of Livingston Regional Hospital was locked down for decontamination Thursday afternoon, July 15 after a man and two small children suspected of having been exposed to methamphetamines or materials used to make meth. No one was allowed to enter or leave for about an hour while emergency services personnel washed down the people and the area potentially contaminated. After decontaminating the hospital lobby, the Livingston firemen who went inside were scrubbed down outside the building.

top of page

Taylor's Crossroads VFD receives federal grant

U.S. Department of Homeland Security has awarded a $45,180 grant to Taylor's Crossroads Volunteer Fire Department in Monroe, under the 2004 Assistance to Firefighter Grant Program.

The fire department will use the grant to purchase new equipment, according to U.S. Representative Bart Gordon.

Assistant Fire Chief James Decho said the 18-member volunteer department will use the grant to replace "hand-me-downs from other departments".

"Most of the equipment we currently have has been donated to us from other fire departments," he explained, noting the department plans to purchase airpacks, turnout gear, and other assorted firefighting equipment.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP) awards one-year grants directly to fire departments to support the nation's firefighters and the services they deliver. The Department of Homeland Security's Office for Domestic Preparedness (ODP) administers the program, in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration.

U.S. Senator Bill Frist said, "Our first responders must be equipped to do their job, and this funding will help ensure they have the resources necessary to keep Monroe safe.

"This funding is an investment in Tennessee, and I applaud the Department of Homeland Security for supporting the critical work of our firefighters."

Fellow U.S. Senator for Tennessee Lamar Alexander said, "Senator Frist and I appreciate the Department of Homeland Security's investment in the Monroe community for emergency preparedness.

"This grant will help give firefighters the vital resources they need to save lives. We will continue to work together to ensure that they have the necessary resources to keep our citizens safe."

Rep. Gordon is a member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus.

He said, "Many communities struggle to maintain fire-protection services. Even though demands on firefighters have increased tremendously over the years, the resources they depend on to provide their life-saving services have not."

Fire departments across the nation will receive about $750 million through the grant program this year. In addition to equipment and training, grants can fund wellness and fitness programs for firefighting personnel, as well as fire-prevention programs.

top of page

Overton County News
415 West Main Street
P.O. Box 479
Livingston, Tennessee 38570
tel 931.823.6485
fax 931.823.6486
info@overtoncountynews.com