When the next time arrives that local safety forces are called to deal with hazardous materials, they will be all the more ready due to a recently received grant.
The Richland County Emergency Management Agency has been awarded $28,728.78 in funding Ohio Homeland Security Grant Program. The money will enable the Agency to purchase 18 fully encapsulated hazardous materials suits. This new protective clothing will be used by the regional hazardous materials team.
The suits will be distributed equally between Mansfield Fire Department, Shelby Fire Department and Ashland Fire Department. The suits will replace current suits that are near the end of their shelf life. Each is expected to be useful for 10 to 15 years.
The regional hazardous materials team serves Richland, Ashland and surrounding counties.
