The Hawkins County Commission voted 20-0 last week to allow Hawkins County HAZMAT to apply for recognition as a fire department with the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance.
Hawkins County HAZMAT chief John Murnane explained to the commission at its Nov. 22 meeting that acquiring an FDID number makes Hawkins HAZMAT eligible for various grants, and equipment through grants.
“We’re still strictly a HAZMAT team,” Murnane said. “It’s not anything that’s going to cost the county anything. It’s just a recognition that the state needs from you guys (on the County Commission) in order to recognize us, to get that fire department I.D. number.”
Murnane added, “This resolution shows the state that the county is recognizing us as an emergency response team.”