MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - The Shelby County Office of Preparedness is facing budget cuts that will hamper its ability to respond to emergencies.
"It's frustrating," Director Bob Nations told abc24.com. "Where we have operated in this region at around $4 million a year we'll be cut to $700,000 a year."
When those dollars go, Nations says the training and ability to respond to emergencies go with it. He said, "There's been a priority for making sure first responders be equipped and trained with personal protection equipment… That won't come back around."
Nations said many programs will have to be cut, but if Shelby County is faced with an emergency situation "our response will still be very strong," he said. "We'll be there when that bell goes off."
