Pearl River County Receives $750,000 Federal Grant for Emergency Services

POPLARVILLE, MS, UNITED STATES, November 2, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Pearl River County has secured a significant federal grant to enhance its emergency services capabilities, marking a crucial step in the county’s preparedness for potential disasters. The U.S. Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program has awarded the county $750,000, which will be used to purchase new equipment and emergency vehicles.

According to John Klingenberger, Fire Coordinator and Director of Fire Services for the Pearl River County Office of Emergency Services, the grant will enable the county to upgrade its emergency operations center (EOC) and establish a multipurpose and emergency operations center project. This multi-phase effort includes the construction of a new EOC, the utilization of convention center space, and the planning for a future multipurpose arena. Klingenberger highlighted that the funding will also support the acquisition of an Emergency Cascade System, dispatch equipment, and multiple new enhanced response vehicles.

The Emergency Cascade System is a critical component that ensures emergency personnel have a continuous, uninterrupted supply of breathing air or medical-grade oxygen during critical incidents. Currently, the north end fire departments, which cover over 50% of the county, rely on their partners’ cascade systems. With this funding, the county will have its own system, new vehicles, and an updated dispatch system, enhancing its ability to respond effectively to emergencies.

Pearl River County Administrator Adrian Lumpkin expressed gratitude for the support from U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, and U.S. Representative Mike Ezell.

The county is currently finalizing construction plans for the new EOC and fire station. Construction bids are expected to be accepted in early 2027, with construction to begin shortly after. The project is part of a broader initiative to ensure that the county has the necessary resources to handle emergency situations efficiently and effectively.

The $750,000 federal grant, combined with additional project funding from local, state, and federal sources, will contribute to a total project budget of $3.9 million. This funding will not only upgrade the county’s emergency services but also support the development of a comprehensive emergency response infrastructure that will benefit the entire community.