Lenoir County recently received the second-highest grant in the state of North Carolina for its EMS powered cot systems through an Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG).

The county received $448,465 through the AFG; FEMA made the announcement in late July. In this round of grant applications, 564 awards were granted nationwide. In North Carolina, 29 awards were granted and Lenoir County’s was second in the Tar Heel State.

Only the Belvidere-Chappell Hill Volunteer Fire Department in Chowan County received more than Lenoir County; it received $613,114.

The new powered cots will help Lenoir County’s EMS fleet achieve greater results in assisting its patients. The equipment features a battery-powered hydraulic system that raises and lowers the cot at the touch of a button.

“Congratulations to Lenoir County for receiving this much-needed grant for additional powered cot systems for its EMS ambulance fleet,” U.S. Rep. Greg Murphy said. “Outdated and improper equipment is unreliable and unsafe for continued patient care and reduces the efficiency of response times. I am proud to have supported this effort.”

Linda Rouse Sutton, the chair of the Lenoir County Board of Commissioners, said the county is very thankful for the grant.

“These additional funds will provide our first responders with much-needed equipment to better serve the residents of Lenoir County,” she said. “We appreciate the consistent support we receive from the offices of Rep. Murphy, U.S. Sen. Tillis and U.S. Sen. Budd. Their continued advocacy for our community has been amazing.”

U.S. Sen. Ted Budd said he was happy to support the AFG application.

“This grant will allow the Lenoir County EMS to purchase equipment critical to responding to emergencies in the region,” he said. “Our responders are heroes, and they deserve the best equipment possible to protect our communities and save lives.”

U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis was also proud to be a part of the successful AFG process.

“I’m proud to have partnered with Lenoir County leaders to secure this crucial funding for our first responders,” he said. “This grant ensures that first responders across Lenoir County are equipped with the tools to effectively serve their community and save lives.”