The Butterfield District 5 Volunteer Fire Department may get state grant funds to purchase equipment.
The Crawford County Quorum Court approved a resolution authorizing County Judge Dennis Gilstrap to apply for a grant under the Arkansas Rural Community Grant Program on the fire department's behalf, according to Gilstrap. The proceeds from the $13,126 grant would go toward the purchase of 40 ballistic vests for the fire department. The department has raised $13,126 through community cash and/or in-kind donations to be applied as a local match, the resolution states.
"When the resolution is passed, that just basically gives me the authority to sign for them to apply for the grant," Gilstrap said. "It's not necessarily that the grant is being approved, but they can apply for the grant."
Gilstrap said getting this grant is important for the fire department because it is for the safety of the first-responders.
The Crawford County Quorum Court's next meeting is scheduled to take place Feb. 19.