Hardin County gets $500,000 for emergency preparedness

May 24– The Hookers Bend (Dist. 15) Volunteer Fire Department is getting $500,000 in new equipment courtesy of a federal grant, Hardin County Mayor Kevin Davis announced today.

The funding is coming through the state Community Development Block Grant program as part of a federal emergency preparedness initiative authorized in the wake of the February, 2008 severe weather and deadly tornadoes which struck the midsouth, including Hardin County.

Unlike many grants, no matching local contribution is required to receive the funds.

"It was a home run," said Davis.

Hookers Bend firefighters will be getting a new tanker, pumper, mobile generator and equipment for both trucks.

Davis said it will be six to eight months before the vehicles and equipment are delivered.

The grant was awarded following an application authorized by the Hardin County Commission.