Russellville’s grant writer Kay Simmons has reason to celebrate as she has obtained almost $50,000 in grant monies to help purchase digital radios for emergency service agencies who otherwise could not afford the expense.

With the county’s new digital radio system currently being installed, agencies were concerned how they would get the funds to become compatible with the new system and time was running out.

Simmons, who took action immediately after hearing of the deficit, said this was one of the most important grants she has written.

“The dependability of this grant was enormous and I really wanted it,” said Simmons who believes the impact will benefit all citizens in Logan County.

Simmons didn’t get all the money she was asking for, but is very thankful for what was awarded by the Department for Homeland Security.

The agencies that will be affected include the Adairville City Fire Department (three portable and one mobile); Adairville Rural Fire Department (three portable and three mobile); Auburn Police Department (two mobiles); Lewisburg Police Department (one mobile); Lewisburg City Fire Department (six portable and one mobile); Lewisburg Rural Fire Department (six portable and two mobile); Olmstead Rural Fire Department (four portable and one mobile); Russellville Rural Fire Department (11 portable and four mobile); Russellville Police Department (two portable and one mobile); Russellville City Fire Department (11 portable and four mobile) and the Logan County Search and Rescue (eight portable and three mobile).

The agencies that have received or have submitted grants to purchase the radios include the Auburn City and Rural Fire Departments, Adairville Police Department, Logan County Sheriff’s Department and the Logan County EMS.

Those still without radios include the South Central Kentucky Drug Task Force, Logan County Coroner and the Logan County Detention Center. The Dunmor Fire Department is being included through Muhlenberg County.

Simmons received four top scores for her grant writing abilities from the judges of the Department for Homeland Security.

“It is important that everybody has these radios,” said Simmons adding, “With the bad economy it is very tough for agencies who do not generate money to afford these radios. I’m glad we were able to help.”