Clay Volunteer Rescue Squad Applying For Equipment Grant

Clay County Volunteer Rescue Squad starting the process to apply for a brand new grant opportunity.

Unit Director Bruce Rhoton said the state recently budgeted some $2 million in grant funding for rescue squads to purchase equipment needs.

“And they told us when we looked at the grant first and foremost you have to have the PPE and the turnout gear,” Rhoton said. “so before you choose anything else that’s primary, you have to do it and it’s part of the grant.”

Rhoton said they can also apply for anything that will help provide service to the citizens of Celina and Clay County, including extraction tools, lights, generators, and other tools.

Public Relations Sergeant Marlene Rhoton said in order to be eligible for the funding, the rescue squad needs to have documented contracts with both the city and the county stating they use the rescue squad’s services. She said that the application window closes on February 1st, 2023, and they hope to hear back within 90 days of the window closing.

“We’ve always partnered with the city and the county and done everything we could to assist and to help with the citizens in any emergency services that might be needed,” Rhoton said. “(…)The County doesn’t pay us and the city doesn’t pay us, we’re all volunteers. This is just that legal document that helps to be eligible to apply for the grant.”

Bruce and Marlene Rhoton said that they wanted to thank the city and the county for their continued partnership. They said they also wanted to thank the legislature for budgeted much-neede funds for rural areas like Clay County.