Columbia Police and Fire Departments Receive Major Equipment Upgrades

Issue #750

June 15, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🌤 Columbia’s Tuesday Weather - Mix of clouds/sun w/ high of 84, low of 64

📰 Columbia Police and Fire Departments Receive Major Equipment Upgrades

🎸 Nashville’s ‘Let Freedom Sing’ July 4th Concert Lineup Announced

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Columbia Police and Fire Departments Receive Major Equipment Upgrades

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The City of Columbia has strengthened its public safety capabilities through the addition of a new tactical response vehicle for the Columbia Police Department and a new fire engine for Columbia Fire & Rescue. The investments represent the City's continued commitment to equipping first responders with the resources necessary to protect residents, respond to emergencies, and maintain the highest level of public safety service.

“Every day, our police officers and firefighters answer the call to serve and protect our community,” said Mayor Chaz Molder. “Providing them with modern equipment and advanced resources is one of the most important investments we can make. These additions strengthen our ability to respond to emergencies, protect lives and property, and provide peace of mind for the residents of Columbia.” 

The Columbia Police Department recently added a Ford Transit 350 HD 4x4 tactical van to its fleet. The vehicle, which seats up to 12 personnel and features A9-level ballistic protection, was purchased for $259,200 through funding provided by the State of Tennessee’s Violent Crime Intervention Fund (VCIF) Grant. The tactical van will support SWAT Team deployments, narcotics operations, violent felony arrest and search warrants, and other specialized law enforcement missions. It will also be featured at community events, providing residents an opportunity to learn more about the department’s specialized equipment and public safety operations.

“As we make advancements in today’s Law Enforcement World, It is imperative to provide advanced protection for the men and women who are responsible for protecting our citizens and community,” said Police Chief Jeremy Haywood. “This tactical van does just that, and I am thankful to our Mayor, Vice Mayor, members of council, and City Manager for seeing the need for this level of protection for our men and women, and approving this new addition to our fleet.”  

Columbia Fire & Rescue has placed into service a new $925,000 KME Panther pumper designed to support fire suppression, rescue operations, and a wide range of emergency responses. The apparatus is equipped with a 1,000-gallon water tank, a 1,500-gallon-per-minute fire pump, and a Class A foam system, providing firefighters with enhanced capabilities when responding to emergencies throughout the city.

“This new apparatus is an investment in both our firefighters and the community we serve,” said Fire Chief Chris Cummins. “As Columbia continues to grow, it is important that we provide our personnel with reliable equipment and modern technology. This new engine will help us respond more effectively to emergencies while continuing to provide the high level of service our citizens expect.”

City Manager Tony Massey said the investments underscore the City’s ongoing investment in emergency services. “These investments support the first responders who serve our community every day,” said Massey. “They reflect our commitment to preparedness and the safety of our residents.” 

Together, these additions enhance Columbia’s emergency response capabilities and reinforce the City’s commitment to continuing to provide reliable, professional public safety services to residents and visitors alike.

Nashville’s ‘Let Freedom Sing’ July 4th Concert Lineup Announced

Get ready for an unforgettable celebration as the 2026 Let Freedom Sing Music City July 4th presented by Dr Pepper reaches new heights in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. Taking over downtown Nashville on July 3 and 4, this two-day event will be bigger and bolder than ever, featuring five stages, nonstop live music, and an all-star lineup of Nashville-based artists. 

Celebrate July 4th with The All-American Rejects, Boyz II Men, Brothers Osborne, Clint Black, Lauren Daigle, NE-YO, Nick Jonas, and Sublime, along with more than 30 local artists, bands, and DJs. The festivities will culminate in the largest fireworks and drone show in Nashville’s history, making Music City the place to be for America250.

Nashville’s July 4th celebration is FREE and open to the public.

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Tuesday, June 16th

Wednesday, June 17th

Thursday, June 18th

Friday, June 19th

Saturday, June 20th

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Tuesday, June 16
Songwriters Round - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 6–9 PM

Wednesday, June 17
Vintage Voltage - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Thursday, June 18
Todd Ciprian - Tito’s, 6–9 PM

Friday, June 19
TBA - The Spot: Burgers & Beer, 5–8 PM
Ryan Keeler - Buck & Board, 6–8 PM
Tom Saffell & Robert Johnson - McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7–9 PM
Radio Farm - Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Jason Minton Band - The Boondox, 8 PM
Zone Status - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Saturday, June 20
The Vineyard Sessions - Natchez Hills Vineyard, 12–6 PM
Phillips Music - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 3–7 PM
Sins Country - Hampshire Hills Distillery, 5–9 PM
Courtyard Jazz, Blues & Cigars - The Mulehouse, 6 PM
TBA - River Terrace, 6–8 PM
Jim Brown & Friends - Mt. Pleasant Music on the Porch, 205 S. Main St, 6–9 PM
Speed Trap - Twisted Copper, 7–9 PM
Sweet Niece - McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7–9 PM
Parker & Sonny - Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Gritz & Glory - The Boondox, 8 PM
Pretty Grimm - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Sunday, June 21
The Cliftones - Amber Falls Winery, 1–5 PM
Brothers Revolt, The Rebel Bar & Grill, 3 PM
CJ Conklin, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 2–5 PM

Want to get your business in What’s Up Columbia? Let’s talk