DOWAGIAC — The Dowagiac Fire Department will be able to rescue people from vehicles quicker thanks to a grant from Firehouse Subs.
The department announced that it has been awarded a $33,874 grant from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation used to purchase a new battery-operated set of Hurst E3 Connect Jaws of Life, replacing the department’s legacy gasoline-powered hydraulic tools that had been in service for more than 20 years.
The new state-of-the-art extrication equipment significantly enhances the department’s emergency response capabilities. The battery-powered Hurst tools are approximately 40 percent more powerful, fully waterproof, and specifically designed to cut and spread today’s high-strength automotive steel. Additionally, the tools eliminate the need for cumbersome hoses and gasoline engines, enabling faster and safer deployment during critical rescue operations.
With the grant, the department was able to acquire a complete extrication set, including a cutter, a combination cutter/spreader with forcible entry tips, and a 60-inch ram.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation for this generous grant, which allows us to better serve and protect our community,” the department stated in a news release. “This equipment upgrade is a major advancement in our rescue operations and overall emergency readiness.”
The department extended thanks to Jeff, Tammie and Rachel Williams, owners of the Niles and Mishawaka Firehouse Subs locations, for their continued support of public safety initiatives. The department also thanked MacQueen Emergency, Carl Hein and John Godush for their customer service and equipment training.
Since its inception in 2005, the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has granted millions of dollars in lifesaving equipment and resources to first responders across the country.
For more information on the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, visit www.firehousesubsfoundation.org.
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