Gwinnett County BOC: lifelike mannequins for trauma services, K-9 Tanto retires, revenues increase from school zone speeding

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA– Earlier this week, the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners(BOC) gave the green light on several business items. Here is a quick glance at some of the actions taken:

Gwinnett Fire Services to receive life-like simulation mannequins

Gwinnett’s Fire and Emergency Services has been selected to receive a Georgia Trauma Commission EMS Trauma Grant. In part, the funds will be used to purchase specialized needles and simulation mannequins. The needles, known as EZ Intraosseous needles, inject directly into the marrow of the bone when the standard route isn’t possible. Students will train on the mannequins, which mimic real-life vital signs.

K-9 retires after remarkable career

After a distinguished five years of service with the Gwinnett County Police Department, K-9 Tanto has officially retired from the force. Tanto helped find evidence in 60 cases and make 40-drug-related and 35 patrol arrests. He also completed more than 900 hours of training. Tanto’s handler, Cpl. Evan Boyd, will give him a forever home.

 Beaver Ruin Wetland Park may receive millions in grant funds

If awarded, a Georgia Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Stewardship Program grant totaling $3 million would give the Beaver Ruin Wetland Park a boost toward completion. Amenities at the park will include 11,600 feet of trails, bridges and boardwalks, an observation tower, a comfort station, play areas and natural resource labs. A required $750,000 match would be funded by the Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources and revenue from the 2017 SPLOST program.

Revenues increase with school zone speed enforcement

After just one year, Gwinnett Police Department’s school zone speed cameras are already making a big difference. In addition to catching speeders, the program – which is in place at three schools – has brought in $955,000 in fines as of the end of July. The County’s investment revenue is also trending higher this year due to the Federal Reserve raising interest rates.

Finance division wins prestigious award – again

For the 24^th consecutive year, the County’s purchasing division has received the Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award from the National Procurement Institute. Winning agencies must provide benchmarks for best practices in public procurement. Gwinnett County is one of only 10 agencies in Georgia and one of only 36 counties in North America to receive this honor.