Plant City Fire Rescue has received a grant for $20,462.52, which will be used on technological upgrades that will enhance data collection capabilities.
The grant came from federal funding appropriated by the Florida Department of Health and the Florida Department of Transportation. Plant City Fire Rescue will use the funds to purchase six new Panasonic laptop computers, one for each of the fire department’s response units.
“These computers will allow PCFR personnel to complete both fire and medical response reports in a more timely fashion, collect patient signatures to improve billing processes and install updated versions of the software being utilized, without fear of overwhelming the capabilities of the hardware,” City Manager Mike Herr wrote in his report Monday, April 13.
PCFR was awarded a similar grant in 2008. The department’s oldest computers were purchased that year, and the newest computers were purchased in 2011.
“As you can imagine, the hardware is well worn and fairly outdated at this point,” Jim Wilson, EMS chief, said. “Our current hardware really has a difficult time keeping up with the demands we constantly place on (it).”
The new laptops will have much more memory and faster processors than PCFR’s current computers.
Wilson expects the new laptops to arrive at the department and be ready to use in about a month. PCFR will be working with the city’s IT department to purchase the computers and install software.
“Because the new computers will have so much more capability, we will be expanding their use for pre-fire planning, mapping and other operational uses that we simply cannot do with the older technology,” Wilson said.
In Other News
• A contract has been approved for the first phase of the South Frontage Road utilities extension project, which will run from Wilder Road to Son Keen Road in order to provide potable water and fire service to the new Lakehouse Luxury Apartments. This phase will cost $894,255.
• City manager Mike Herr has been in contact with the Metropolitan Planning Organization in regards to transportation issues in Plant City. Herr’s first priority in this realm is streetscaping and lane reconfiguration on South Collins Street, followed by expanding a section of West Sam Allen Road to four lanes.
• Commissioners approved a resolution to grant two easement deeds to Tampa Electric so that power can be provided to Ellis-Methvin Park for field and trail lighting, an irrigation system, and the restrooms.