Federal grant to aid security response team

The Jackson Fire Department won $150,000 in federal grant money Monday to build-up the abilities of the Homeland Security Response Team it operates jointly with Sikeston. The funds will help buy equipment for a new truck the team purchased with last year's grant, Jackson fire chief Brad Golden said. The grant money will also pay for training members of the unit and regular maintenance on the equipment. Golden learned about the grant during a leadership conference held in Jefferson City by the State Emergency Management Agency. The joint Sikeston-Jackson team deals with hazardous materials, including methamphetamine lab clean-ups, as well as preparations for events involving chemical, biological or nuclear emergencies.

-- From staff reports