Hawkins County Rescue Squad recently received a significant boost. An $87,360.25 grant, matched fully with their own funds, equipping them to bring in new, state-of-the-art equipment. Extrication gear, water rescue tools, rope rescue systems, yes even new helmets for the junior members. It all sounds great, doesn't it? One more like a much-needed shot-in-the-arm for our local heroes. Let's dig a little deeper. Is this grant really a lifeline, or simply a band-aid on a big deep cut?

Funding a Symptom or Solving Cause?

Think about it. Why are rescue squads having to seek out grants to be able to purchase the most basic lifesaving equipment? Are we, as a society, so comfortable with underfunding essential services that we rely on these sporadic infusions of cash to keep them afloat? It’s the equivalent of treating the symptoms of a disease without addressing the root cause. So yes, this grant is indeed appreciated by Hawkins County Rescue Squad, but to them, it’s like winning the grant lottery. They were one of the lucky 95. What about the others?

The challenge isn’t just getting the new equipment, it’s about keeping it going. What will you do when these tools break down in 5 years? Otherwise, will they have to race for a new grant? Or will they find a new source of public funding that’s predictable and dedicated to their mission of continuing to serve our community? As great as this advanced equipment is to have, nothing trumps the emotional safety of our rescue squads.

There’s a bigger problem under the hood. This grant is related to the deeper issue of increasing wealth inequality in rural America. Similar to rural communities, many suburban communities rely on their communities’ volunteer rescue squads. Unfortunately, these same communities are disproportionately impacted by poverty, lack of access to healthcare, and fewer economic opportunities. It's a vicious cycle. We applaud our state’s generosity in giving this grant. We forget, though, that the only reason we need this grant is because of systemic failures that have long placed the burden on these communities and oftentimes, quite disproportionately.

Forgotten Communities, Remembered Grants?

The press release mentions "lifesaving equipment." What about the lifesaving training? That new rope rescue equipment is worthless without skilled personnel to use it. As part of this grant, is there any funding for ongoing training and certification? Or are we just providing our volunteers a bunch of expensive toys they can’t afford to use adequately?

And what of the lesser known communities outside the spotlight in Hawkins County. Are the benefits of this grant being shared fairly among all populations? Or will it continue the pattern of benefitting only the wealthy neighborhoods. As it stands, this continues to leave those in rural or hard-to-reach areas no better off—unable to access quality emergency services.

Recall, the program was just seeded by Gov. Bill Lee and the General Assembly when created in 2022 with $3 million! This allows the Tennessee Rescue Squad Grant Program to aid rescue squads in every corner of the state in acquiring lifesaving equipment.

This isn't just about Hawkins County. The service and selflessness of IMT volunteer first responders sustain each of Tennessee’s rural communities. Their influence reaches all around the country as well.

From Gratitude to Greater Expectations

The Hawkins County Rescue Squad deserves a world of gratitude for their incredible service. We appreciate the support Captain Corey Young offered to Hawkins County Mayor Mark DeWitte, vendors and state lawmakers that made it possible. They deserve much more than our thanks – they deserve our respect and our steadfast support. Gratitude alone isn't enough.

We shouldn’t accept that as good enough. We should demand much more from our elected leaders. We need to be fighting for more funding for these emergency services. So let’s stop issuing these one-off grants and make sustainable, long-term investments. No community can have too few resources with their communities. Only then can they fulfill their duty to keep the safety and protection of their residents’ lives.

Register today and don’t let this highly competitive grant program become your next missed opportunity! Let it be a catalyst for change, a turning point in our commitment to supporting the heroes who risk their lives to protect us. So let’s move from gratitude to action and admiration to advocacy! Join us as we strive to create a future in which every community has the tools necessary to flourish.

  • Contact your state representatives: Tell them you support increased funding for emergency services and that you want to see a more equitable distribution of resources.
  • Donate to your local rescue squad: Even a small contribution can make a big difference.
  • Volunteer your time: Rescue squads are always in need of volunteers, whether you have medical experience or not.
  • Speak up: Share this article, start a conversation, and let your voice be heard.

Don't let this grant be a missed opportunity. Let it be a catalyst for change, a turning point in our commitment to supporting the heroes who risk their lives to protect us. Let's transform our gratitude into action and create a future where every community has the resources they need to thrive.