Gwinnett receives grant to help purchase search-and-rescue equipment

Gwinnett commissioners recently accepted a $47,275 grant from the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency. These funds will be used to purchase search and rescue equipment for the Georgia Search and Rescue truck. The grant is 100 percent funded through GEMA/HS with no matching funds required from the county.

The equipment will be used to enhance GSAR’s ability to prevent, protect against and respond to terrorist attacks, major disasters and other emergencies.

Following 9/11, Georgia realized the state was not prepared for extreme emergency events. With federal funding through GEMA, GSAR teams were developed. All members are trained in 5 disciplines of rescue and response including: hazardous materials, high angle, confined space, trench collapse and building collapse. Some are trained in wilderness search and rescue and water rescue.