Missouri Governor Mike Parson recently announced a significant investment aimed at strengthening public safety across the state. The Missouri Department of Public Safety has approved 70 grants totaling $5 million, aimed at enhancing the equipment and capabilities of law enforcement, fire service, and EMS providers in class three counties. This funding, part of the state's American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation, will help first responders better handle emergencies and provide additional protection while performing their duties.
Upgrading Essential Equipment
The grants will cover a wide range of essential equipment including patrol vehicles, mobile data terminals, body cameras for law enforcement, firefighter turnout gear, extrication tools, ambulances, cardiac monitors, pediatric resuscitation devices, and emergency communications radios. This initiative recognizes the critical role first responders play in managing crises such as floods, droughts, train derailments, and traffic accidents.
Governor Parson emphasized the state’s reliance on these brave individuals during emergencies, stating, “These grants will provide vitally important equipment to help law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel do their jobs more effectively and make our Missouri communities safer.”
Detailed Breakdown of Grant Distribution
• Fire Safety: 35 fire service agencies have been granted over $1.38 million for equipment such as self-contained breathing apparatus, thermal imaging cameras, turnout gear, firefighting tanker trucks, support vehicles, and interoperable radios.
• EMS: 18 emergency medical service providers will receive over $2.88 million for ambulances, ambulance remounts, automatic compression devices, video laryngoscopes, cardiac monitors, pediatric resuscitation devices, training mannequins, laptops, and radios.
• Law Enforcement: 17 law enforcement agencies have been granted over $735,000 for patrol vehicles, mobile data terminals, body cameras, prisoner transport cages, and interoperable communications radios.
Director Sandy Karsten of the Missouri Department of Public Safety highlighted the transformative impact of the grants, saying, “The $5 million in funding we’re providing means more Missourians facing life-threatening emergencies will be met by responders using up-to-date equipment, trained with modern devices, and using interoperable radios that make for better communications.”
Funding and Match Requirements
The grants require a 50% local match, meaning that for a project costing $40,000, the local recipient would need to contribute $20,000, which can be offset by local ARPA funds. This funding structure ensures a collaborative investment in public safety infrastructure.
Local Impact Examples
Several local agencies have already benefited significantly from this initiative:
• The City of Ava Fire Department received $42,042.16.
• Both the City of Licking Fire Department and Licking Rural Fire Department received $29,960 each.
• Texas County Memorial Hospital was awarded $177,292.50.
This strategic allocation of ARPA funds underlines Missouri's commitment to enhancing the safety and effectiveness of its first responders. The upgraded equipment will not only aid in immediate responses but also ensure that Missouri's emergency services remain robust and capable of handling future challenges.
