Congressman James Comer, USDA Rural Development Announce EMS Equipment Grant for Fulton County

Congressman James Comer joined USDA Rural Development State Director Travis Burton, Fulton County officials, and regional EMS leadership to announce a federal equipment grant supporting emergency medical services in Fulton County and South Fulton, Tennessee.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded $37,000.55 to Ken-Tenn EMS for the purchase of a new Stryker Power-PRO 2 stretcher and a powered load system, critical equipment that officials say will directly enhance patient care, reduce strain on EMS personnel and support the long-term sustainability of the ambulance service.

“This is more than an equipment purchase; it’s an investment in patient care, workforce safety, and the future of our service,” said South Fulton city manager and chair of the EMS Board, Joyce Gray.

Gray noted that the current load system dates back to the system’s inception in 2017. “As equipment ages, it becomes difficult and expensive to maintain. Reliability decreases and downtime grows. Powered equipment can be operated manually, but it reduces efficiency and increases the physical strain on staff.”

Gray emphasized that the grant brings the EMS service closer to fully equipping both frontline ambulances with modern, powered systems. “Thanks to USDA’s favorable decision on our application, that goal is now becoming a reality,” she said.

Fulton County Judge Executive Jim Martin underscored the ongoing financial challenges facing rural EMS providers. “Our ambulance service has been supplemented for years. We face a gap of roughly one million dollars annually between revenue and expenditures,” Martin said. “We rely on membership programs, alternative funding sources, and partners like USDA. This capital injection is greatly appreciated.”

Martin emphasized that EMS closures are occurring nationwide and that communities must secure reliable funding sources. “We have to find ways to close that gap, and programs like this help us do that.”

Officials also highlighted the unique geographic responsibility of the Fulton–South Fulton ambulance service.

“We serve about 240 square miles, covering Fulton County, Kentucky, and portions of South Fulton, Tennessee,” said Hickman City Manager Robert Griggs. “It’s a rarity to have a service that spans two states, and many people are surprised when they learn that Kenn-Tenn EMS is one of those areas  and circumstances push us to work together.”

Fulton City Manager Mike Gunn, a former EMT, noted the importance of the new equipment to both staff and patients. “We just appreciate everyone for making this much-needed funding possible,” he said.

Gray also recognized EMS Director Jordan Jones and Office Manager Ashley Fortner “for what they do every single day.”

USDA Rural Development State Director Travis Burton praised local leadership and described Fulton County as a model for successful federal partnerships.

“This community rolls up its sleeves, thinks big and does the hard work,” Burton said. “Working with the federal government isn’t easy — there’s paperwork and hurdles — but this community comes together and gets things done. You move the needle.”

Burton emphasized USDA has a long-standing partnership with the region, pointing to previous investments including a building generator for emergency command operations, training equipment, AEDs for first responders, and the Delta Healthcare Services Grant.

“Our staff wakes up every single day to support rural communities like Fulton,” Burton said. “This investment reflects President Trump and Secretary Rollins’s commitment to strengthening rural America and ensuring access to healthcare at the most critical moments.”

Congressman James Comer applauded both the grant award and the longstanding partnership between his office and local officials.

“This is a great day for the city of Fulton,” Comer said. “Part of building a thriving rural community is ensuring that young people can come back home, build careers, and raise families. Having excellent healthcare and EMS services is essential to that.”

Comer stressed the importance of high-quality emergency equipment in rural farming communities. “My father was involved in a serious on-farm accident. In rural areas, you’re often far from a hospital. You’ve got to have equipment and services capable of responding quickly and effectively,” he said.

He commended Fulton County’s leadership for their ongoing investments and encouraged local officials to continue pursuing federal partnerships. “Anything my office can do to help this community, don’t hesitate to reach out,” Comer said. “The potential here is very bright.”

Comer closed by praising the revitalization of downtown Fulton and committed to returning in the spring for additional community engagement.

USDA Rural Development provides loans, grants, and loan guarantees to support economic development and essential services in rural communities, including healthcare, public safety, housing, and infrastructure.