PLAINFIELD, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — The Duke Energy Foundation is awarding $58,000 to first responders in Gibson, Knox and Vigo Counties to help increase their response capabilities during severe weather and other emergencies.
$25,000 will go towards new technology in the Vigo County Emergency Management Agency’s Emergency Operations Center to better support communications with local response agencies in the event of a man-made or natural disaster. Funding will also go to advanced training for Emergency Operations Center employees.
The Knox County Emergency Management Agency will receive $12,000 in grant funds that will help replace outdated essential equipment such as emergency cots and bedding items. The City of Bicknell, in Knox County, will also receive $9,000 to invest in a “smart board” — a tool that enhances fire department training exercises — to be used at the Bicknell Fire Department.
$12,000 for weather radios, supplements for the hearing impaired, preparedness kits, CPR and first-aid training, education and training for how to respond during specific emergency events will be awarded to the Gibson County Emergency Management Agency.
“During the current storm season, our service territory has experienced significant weather events, including an unusually high number of tornadoes,” said Stan Pinegar, president of Duke Energy Indiana. “I am proud of our recovery work, and we could not accomplish it effectively without the collaboration of a host of first responders in our communities. We appreciate their assistance.”
