Charlton County Fire and Rescue is seeking Board approval on June 4, 2026 to apply for an Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) totaling approximately $577,036.89 to enhance operational capabilities and firefighter safety. The application will have two components: a new 2,000-gallon pumper/tender with 1,500 GPM pump estimated at $461,637.00, and firefighter personal protective equipment (turnout gear, helmets, hoods, boots, gloves) estimated at $115,399.89, each requiring a 5% local SPLOST match of $28,851.85. This is a pre-award planning and specification effort; no grant has been awarded and no purchase authorized yet beyond using vendor quotes for budgeting. The detailed apparatus quote from Fouts Bros. and PPE quote from 911 Fleet and Fire Equipment indicate the county’s preferred configurations and vendors, which will be relevant if funding is secured and when future bids, purchases, or implementation support are needed. Vendors can help refine specs, support the grant narrative, or position for alternative funding solutions if the AFG application is only partially successful.

Funding source for the 5% match is SPLOST, with identified local funding of $28,851.85. Apparatus sp...