2024 Recipient $15,000: Community Grant

Submitted by: Jonny Singleton, Asst. Fire Chief

We needed to replace our current extrication tools that are obsolete. The tools we had were no longer serviceable and were manufactured in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. Due to the age of these tools they fell out of compliance with NFPA 1936-2020 edition. With the age of these tools we were facing challenges of trying to cut and spread the stronger metals used in modern cars, not being able to do such tasks can be critical to our patients.

With this grant we removed noncompliant, obsolete, and unsafe equipment from service and replaced it with equipment that is safe and reliable. By replacing the outdated equipment, we will be able to provide safer and quicker rescues.

We were able to obtain funding from 3 different grants to help reduce the out of pocket cost of this project for the Fire Department. All of the replacement tools have been delivered. Members mounted the tools in the fire truck, and all members will be trained on the safe use and operations of these tools.

The new tools consist of a battery operated cutter, spreader, ram, and combination tool. Thanks to the generosity of The Rush County Community Foundation, Rush Shelby Energy, and TC Energy this project is completed and will provide safer, quicker, and more reliable extrication tools to better serve our community.