By Kaitlin Hoskins, News Editor
The City of Southside recently received $53,500 in grant funding for upgrades within the fire department, and the city is putting that money to use.
The department was recently able to purchase a new vehicle extrication tool for $13,500 of the grant money. The other $40,000 in grant funds went toward a new vehicle exhaust system for the fire engines. The grant for the new extrication tool came from the Community Development Grant Program and the funding for the new exhaust system came from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.
In 2023, the department was also able to replace a 1998 fire engine. The new vehicle arrived on October 26. According to the City of Southside, the new truck has a larger water tank, increased storage capacity and a large diameter water supply hose.
The city is also looking forward to the completion of the new state-of-the-art fire station that is nearly finished.
“Last year, the city secured a USDA loan in the amount of $4.1 million at 2.5 percent interest for 30 years,” Southside Mayor Dana Snyder said. “As one of the top priorities coming into this office, I couldn’t be more excited to be nearing completion of this new Fire Station One. This building signifies strength in our city, as well as protection for our citizens, businesses and visitors. It promotes economic development and so much more.”
The City of Southside broke ground on the new construction on November 16, 2022.
