Baxter Fire Department To Receive Near Gear And Equipment

The Baxter Fire Department will be getting new nozzles, hoses, and turnout gear.

The fire department has received a $19,168 Assistance to Firefighters grant from the federal government.

“This will replace aging hose and nozzles that we’ve got. Some of the nozzles are not pumpable anymore and the hose are only good for 10 to 12 years before they start rotting,” Baxter Fire Chief Matt White said.

The Baxter board of mayor and aldermen have also given White authority to put bids out for new turnout gear.

“We need to buy three sets of turnout gear for these firefighters,” White said. “I’ve got two that don’t have gear that fits well and a one that’s approaching the age of having to be replaced.”

Funds for the new turnout gear will come out of the capital outlay budget. The fire department has received a $1,500 safety grant from the state, which will be used to reimburse the city for the purchase of the new gear.

The city has also voted to apply for the 2018 Assistance to Firefighters Grant and Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant.