Our public safety officials now have new and improved water rescue equipment to keep our community safe near waterways. On Tuesday, December 10, the Macon-Bibb Law Enforcement Foundation announced they were awarded the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office with a $7,500 grant to buy self-contained, underwater breathing apparatus.

“Our mission is simple. We create partners in our community where we can raise money and have resources to purchase items for our public safety departments that include everything from technology, equipment, programs, and other items,” said Warren Selby with the Law Enforcement Foundation.

“Whenever a situation happens when we have someone lost in a body of water here locally, both the Sheriff’s Office and firefighters respond,” said Sheriff David Davis. “This is certainly a team effort between the Sheriff’s Office and the Fire Department with a goal and commitment to serve the community and to save lives.”

The scuba gear is something Fire Department needed, as need their gear was starting to get worn out. With the Sheriff’s Office lending out this equipment, it will help the dive team tremendously.

“This is something that the Sheriff’s Office’s team already works with us and trains with us, this is just some equipment that we can utilize to make our jobs more efficient and effective for our community,” said Fire Chief Shane Edwards.

Click here to watch the full ceremony.