The Gainesville Fire Department is expected to renew its agreement with the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) to host the Georgia Search and Rescue (GSAR) task force for the region through 2020.
The region includes 24 counties across Northeast Georgia, according to Keith Smith, division chief, who spoke at Thursday morning's Gainesville city council work session.
"With that (agreement) comes a tractor trailer truck with equipment at a value of around $1.3 million that is available to the citizens of Gainesville-Hall County, as well as the 24 counties in the area we represent," said Smith.
The department also receives annual grants — ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 — to purchase additional equipment, according to city documents.
The million-dollar truck is parked at the fire department's headquarters on Pine Street, and Smith said it's being readied in case Tropical Storm Hermine makes a turn towards Georgia.
"In the event of any kind of disaster, we are ready to go, whether it be here or in the other counties surrounding us that we can assist," said Smith.
The truck gets maintenance on a daily basis, said Smith, in the event that it's needed on short notice.
"It's a nice addition for everybody in Northeast Georgia." said Mayor Danny Dunagan.
The agreement faces final approval at the council's next voting session on Tuesday, Sept. 6.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2016/9/440595/gainesville-fire-department-to-renew-agreement-to-host-gema-task-force