Macon-Bibb Public Safety Receives Grant for Scuba Gear, Boosting Water Rescue Capabilities

On Tuesday, December 10, the Macon-Bibb Law Enforcement Foundation announced a $7,500 grant awarded to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office to purchase self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (scuba gear).

“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.

The new scuba gear addresses a critical need, as existing equipment for water rescues was becoming outdated. The gear will be shared between the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and the Fire Department, enhancing the effectiveness of their joint dive team.

“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.”

Fire Chief Shane Edwards highlighted the importance of the new equipment: “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.”

The grant represents the ongoing collaboration between local public safety agencies and the community to ensure the safety of residents near waterways.