Cobb to buy fire rescue unit for airport

Cobb County will buy a firefighting apparatus from Paulding County for $310,000 to be used at the Cobb County International Airport (McCollum Field). AJC file photo

Cobb County will buy a firefighting apparatus from Paulding County for $310,000 to be used at the Cobb County International Airport (McCollum Field). AJC file photo

Cobb County will buy a firefighting apparatus from Paulding County for $310,000 - a lower rate than can be found elsewhere.

The Cobb County Board of Commissioners agreed Aug. 8 to buy the equipment based upon the recommendation of Cobb Fire Chief Randy Crider.

He told them the cost for the 2010 Oshkosh 1500 Striker, including a 460-pound Fire Combat brand Halotron Skid Unit, is “significantly lower” than what Cobb County Fire & Emergency Services could obtain from the manufacturer or other sources.

Crider said CCFES was notified by Paulding County that commercial development changes to the Silver Comet Field allows the Paulding County Fire Department to sell the unit.

Also, “a need” has been identified at the Cobb County International Airport (McCollum Field) for the equipment, but Crider did not offer specifics.

The money will be paid from the Fire Fund’s fund balance.