CALHOUN: County approves purchase of AEDs for Sheriff’s Department
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By Steven Spencer
Calhoun County Commissioners approved the purchase of three new AED (automated external defibrillator)devices for the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department, during last week’s regular board meeting.
The devices will cost approximately $8,700 total and will be compatible with the ones that are currently equipped on ambulances and what are used at the hospitals.
“That way if we get to the scene and connect them up, that equipment is all interchangeable,” the Sheriff’s Department said while noting how often they arrive to a scene before the ambulance.
With three devices, one will be kept permanently in the Sheriff’s car and two will go back and forth between deputies while they’re working.
The board also signed a resolution of support for an increase in Township Bridge Program funding, which was presented by Kyle Godar.
The Township Bridge Program is used to replace any bridges on township roads that are less than 20 feet in length, Godar said.
“The Township Bridge Program was funded at $15 million in 1979 with the money taken out of the Illinois State Road fund and hasn’t increased since,” he said. “Construction cost and the revenue going into that fund has all gone up like 400 percent in that same time frame, so we’re asking for that program to be increased to $60 million.”
“Currently I only get $55,000 a year and a bridge is costing $350,000,” he added.
The resolution will be sent to the local State Representatives and provided to other County Engineers throughout the state.