Joplin receives ARPA grants for police, fire and EMS

(City of Joplin) — To assist public safety agencies throughout Missouri, Governor Mike Parson announced the Missouri Department of Public Safety has approved 428 grants totaling over $6.3 million to law enforcement, fire service, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers across the state to assist in equipment, supplies, and training needs. The maximum grant amount to recipients was $20,000.

The City of Joplin received $60,000, with $20,000 of funding going toward the Fire Department, Police Department, and EMS.

The Joplin Fire Department will utilize the $20,000 to begin the process of equipping firefighters with a second set of fire turnout gear. Turnout gear includes pants, helmets, coats, boots, and gloves manufactured with composite layers to withstand the heat of fires.

"We’ll be able to purchase 21 sets of turnout gear, which is the term for personal protective equipment each firefighter utilizes," said Fire Chief Gerald Ezell. "Having a second set is an important safety measure for our crews."

Joplin Police Department's funding of $20,000 allows them to finish equipping all officers with body cameras, including 17 investigators, two sergeants, and one corporal. This equipment increases the transparency and accountability of officers on duty.

Police Chief Sloan Rowland said, "This grant will help supplement our audio and video capacity as we hire and train new officers."

The $20,000 grant for emergency medical services is designated for EMS equipment to respond to emergencies, specifically to help resuscitate certain types of patients. Funds will also assist in purchasing additional EMS training equipment and supplies.

"This funding will allow the purchase of Advanced Life Support equipment and training devices that will allow our Paramedic personnel to quickly and efficiently provide life-saving treatments in the field," said Fire Training Chief Dustin Lunow.

The funding for these public safety grants is made available through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and was part of Governor Parson's Fiscal Year 2023 budget plan. The Missouri Department of Public Safety is the grant administrator.