Chief Brunner’s Grant Efforts Deliver State-Funded Ambulance

By: Shelia Mader

Jackson County Fire Rescue is set to receive a major upgrade thanks to a rare and highly competitive state grant, one that no other agency in Florida secured.

Fire Rescue Chief Charlie Brunner announced the department has been awarded a $399,400 grant through the Florida Department of Health’s Bureau of Emergency Medical Services to fund a new ambulance. Out of 84 agencies that applied statewide, Jackson County was the only one selected.

“We have been awarded a Florida Bureau of EMS under the Department of Health grant for a new ambulance,” Brunner told commissioners. “Out of 84 agencies that applied, we were the only successful one out of the state of Florida to get this ambulance.”

The grant covers 90 percent of the cost, leaving the county responsible for a 10 percent match of $39,940.

County Administrator Jim Dean emphasized the significance of the funding and what it means financially beyond the purchase itself.

“They will send us that money right after the budget’s approved,” Dean said. “We’ll be able to deposit that money into our savings account. That will draw about 2% interest. That will make us about $7,000.”

That added return gives the county an extra benefit while waiting on the ambulance, which is expected to take more than a year to build.

Brunner noted the timing is critical.  “Time is of the essence because it'll take a little over 12 months to build this ambulance,” he said.

The board approved three related items tied to the grant: formally accepting the funding, approving the memorandum of agreement with the state, and authorizing the purchase of the ambulance through an existing cooperative contract.

The new unit will be purchased from the Frazier Company through the Houston-Galveston Area Council cooperative, a process the county has used for years. The county will not pay anything upfront, as the state funds will be provided in advance once the budget is finalized.

“This is 100% funds upfront,” Brunner said. “Once Mr. Dean signs the DocuSign in July, that money will be sent to the county ahead of receiving the ambulance.”

Dean did caution that the funding is still dependent on final state budget approval, though officials expressed confidence it will move forward.

The moment underscores Brunner’s continued efforts to secure outside funding for the department, bringing in critical resources while minimizing the burden on local taxpayers.

In this case, that effort resulted in something even more notable: a one-of-a-kind win for Jackson County across the entire state.