The Hopkinsville Fire Department is more prepared in the fight against COVID-19, thanks to a generous donation from Clay and Sherrie Smith of Pennyrile Ford.
The Smiths donated $10,000 that went towards the purchase of a Halo disinfecting unit—the machine creates a fog of disinfectant inside of a space, such as ambulance, allowing the department to more quickly clean that ambulance for further use. Deputy Chief Bill Pyle says it’s greatly reducing the amount of time it takes to sanitize an ambulance and other equipment, allowing them respond more quickly to calls.
He says it disinfects anything inside the ambulance without damaging it, including medical equipment and electronics.
Smith says he and his wife were driven to help support the fire department, and they felt this machine was the best way to help keep first responders and patients healthy.
The disinfecting unit can also be used to cleanse the inside of other vehicles, from fire trucks to police cruisers. It will also allow the department to get more use out of protectant suits and other PPE—Chief Steve Futrell says that will help with cost savings.