CJCFPD Bond Issue Set For February Vote

     Voters will decide on February 4th on  a $7.5 million no tax increase bond renewal to fund capital improvements for Central Jackson County Fire Protection District (CJCFPD).
    CJCFPD serves the communities of Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Lake Tapawingo, and portions of unincorporated Jackson County.     
 
     Approximately $3 million of the bond will be used to replace two aging fire engines and a ladder truck. Funds will also be used to update safety equipment for replacement fire trucks, replace emergency medical equipment, repair and remodel existing facilities, including HVAC updates to units nearing 30 years of use. 
     CJCFPD Fire Chief Jeff Grote highlighted two additional projects included in the bond package.
     “One of the most important upgrades  for citizens are technology updates to storm warning sirens. We will update 34 outdoor storm warning sirens and add four new sirens. Most people don’t know that we are working with civil defense era technology on our warning sirens. Currently, when we test sirens monthly, we have to send a person to each siren to stand and ensure each is working properly. With new technology, we can monitor each siren from a central computer,” Grote said.
     The bond package also provides for the replacement of personal protective firefighting gear.
     “We have seen a rash of cancer in firefighters across the country, and our industry has become much more aware of the risks and how to protect firefighters in the field. Our employees are our greatest asset, and we want to be ahead of the curve in replacing outdated gear to protect them from the hazards they face,” Grote said.