The Yelvington and Knottsville volunteer fire departments will be getting new fire trucks worth a total of more than half a million dollars.
Daviess County Fiscal Court awarded $200,000 to each fire department for the purchase during Thursday’s general session. The price tag on YFD’s fire truck is $264,817, while the KFD truck comes in at $274,320. The remaining balance will be paid by the individual volunteer fire stations.
Daviess County Fire Chief Jeremy Smith told commissioners that there was much wear and tear after he evaluated the existing fleet.
Jordan Johnson, purchasing agent for Daviess Fiscal Court, said the purchase is part of the truck replacement schedule.
“The fleet is aging, it’s getting a little older, so we did two last year and two again this year,” Johnson said. “That’s what these trucks are. It’s part of that replacement schedule to hopefully replace the oldest and weakest vehicles in those respective departments.”
The Court also approved a request by the Daviess County Detention Center to apply for a grant from the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security for ballistics vests.
Jailer Art Maglinger told commissioners he’s seeking the grant — which totals $41,460 for 70 bulletproof vests — to provide optimal protection for jail deputies. He said they conduct about 600 transports a year, many of which are considered high risk.
“They primarily interact with convicted felons, federal detainees and other violent offenders,” Maglinger said. “The intended goal of providing the deputies with ballistic protection is to ensure their safety as they carry out their daily duties.”
