Bryan County is proud to unveil two recently purchased fire trucks that will be used by the Emergency Services department. Area residents are invited celebrate as the new fire trucks are dedicated during a community event at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 3 at Fire Station #2, located at 79 Daniel Siding Loop Road.

County officials said upgraded trucks were necessary to ensure safety requirements were met and to prevent mechanical issues from occurring. The newly added vehicles are faster and more reliable than the older models they replaced, according to Bryan County Emergency Services Fire Chief Freddy Howell, who added that most fire trucks last about 20-25 years. The county’s oldest fire engine dated back to the 1980s. The new engines hold 1,000 gallons of water each and have pumps that dispense 1,250 gallons per minute.

The purchase was made with funds generated by Bryan County’s Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, which is a financing method for capital outlay projects in the state of Georgia. It funds schools, parks, roads, parks and county necessities, such as fire trucks.

“Every SPLOST dime or penny we get helps,” said Howell about the tax’s role in the essential growth and development of Bryan County.

Voters will be asked to approve a Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax measure next spring to raise money for transportation projects across Bryan County. The measure will be on the May 22 ballot and the tax revenue would be collected starting July 1, 2018.

Bryan County Emergency Services delivers a full range of emergency services, including fire prevention and education, emergency medical services and fire suppression to over 30,000 citizens and covers over 450 square miles.

“We are committed to providing our citizens and visitors with the best emergency service possible at the lowest possible cost to the taxpayers. Bryan County Emergency Services will strive for professionalism in all areas of our performance,” Howell said.