Sneads says yes, Grand Ridge says no

The Sneads volunteer fire department soon will have another weapon in its arsenal — a new jaws of life.
The Sneads volunteer fire department currently has a jaws of life, which is used for vehicle accidents in which occupants are trapped.
However, it is old and becoming less effective. One Sneads fire department officials noted “it is almost an antique.” The current jaws are not designed for use with newer model cars that have titanium frames.
“With these new cars, it just won’t cut it,” said Councilman Ricky Whittington, who is also a member of the volunteer fire department..
The Sneads council agreed last week the jaws of life is an essential piece of equipment that has proved its worth.
“It has saved a lot of lives around here, and that’s priceless,” Police Chief Burt McAlpin said.
Council members jumped at the opportunity to acquire this piece of equipment for $14,000, half of its normal cost. The town will pay down $3,000, and take out a loan for the rest.
“It is a piece of equipment you definitely need. If my family was trapped, I would be hollering for it,” Councilman Donovan Weeks said. “This is half price. I say we go for it.“
This will be the second major purchase for the Sneads fire department. The department recently purchased radio equipment.
“We have got a lot of equipment in the last six to eight of months that we have needed for years,” Whittington said.
The purchase of the jaws of life will use the remainder of the money budgeted for equipment for the fire department for the current fiscal year, which begin Oct. 1.
“It is going to wipe out their equipment budget. They won’t be able to get anything else,” town manager Ed Kilpatrick said.
The volunteer fire department says it worth using the money now to get an essential piece of equipment at a reduced price.
The Grand Ridge volunteer fire department had also wanted to take advantage of the reduced price. Mayor Chris Wright, who serves on the Grad Ridge volunteer fire department, brought up purchasing the jaws of life at the reduced cost at Grand Ridge’s recent council meeting.
“It is an issue of safety. We are growing and it is something we need,” Wright said.
However, other council members argued the town could not afford it.
“Where we come up with the money is always the issue. It is nothing against the fire department,” Councilwoman Kim Applewhite said.
Grand Ridge is attempting to secure a grant to pay for the equipment. It was suggested to buy the equipment now at the sale price, and then reimburse the town when the grant comes through. However, some council members were not willing, in case the grant did not come through.
They did assure the fire department that if the grant comes through, then the town will get the equipment.
“I wish we could get everything right now, but unfortunately we can only get what we have the funds to pay for,” Applewhite said.