Doyle Fire Receives Grant For New Rescue Equipment

The Doyle Volunteer Fire Department received a grant from the State Fire Marshal’s Office meant to increase its rescue capabilities.

Fire Chief Jason Sparks said the grant will provide them with lightweight PPE that is dual-certified for rescue and wildland firefighting in addition to other tools meant to improve their abilities in rescue situations. Sparks said the materials from the grant are a mixture of all-new equipment and updated versions of items they already use.

“One of the things we’re receiving is a set of lifting bags that we didn’t previously have, and those are for removing victims that may be trapped under heavy loads or under vehicles or that type of thing,” Sparks said. “So it’ll give us capability there that we didn’t have previously.”

Sparks said the department already handles vehicle extrications, but the new resources will still assist them in that field and others. He said the grant is part of a recent push from the governor meant to support volunteer fire departments and rescue squads across the state.

“We’re very grateful for the help that the state is providing,” Sparks said. “You know, many, many volunteer fire departments have problems with having enough personnel, and then, on top of that, get very little support from local government.”

Sparks said most of the fire departments in White County receive between $12,000 and $16,000 from the county each year.

“That is, you know, very little money in today’s world,” Sparks said. “One set of turnout gear is $3,000.”