In an effort to combat staff shortages and improve response times, the Baraboo (WI) Fire Department and EMS hope to consolidate, reports nbc15.com.

Officials say a merger would make training a dual purpose—leading to more qualified first responders and thus a faster response time.

City officials say the consolidation wouldn’t increase taxes, though final plans are a ways away.

The report notes that, in addition, a new station is needed, and, with a merger, perhaps the new facility wouldn’t need separate areas for fire and EMS. The current digs doesn’t meet space or functionality needs.

The aim is to get community feedback this year, begin construction in 2023, and complete the project in 2024.

The Peters Township (PA) Fire Department has placed an order for a new Pierce pumper.

The purchase was recently approved by town council, and the new apparatus will replace “an aging apparatus that originally served as our rescue truck and was repurposed as our reserve pumper,” the department writes on Facebook.

“We appreciate the support from Township leadership and Council in approving this purchase! As our community grows, our call volume grows with it. Ensuring that our fire apparatus are replaced on a regular schedule allows us to uphold our long-standing commitment to providing the best in public safety!”

“This pumper, dubbed the workhorse, includes a 1,500-gpm pump, 750-gallon New York-style tank with low hose bed, a Husky 3 foam system, all 12V Hi-Viz scene lighting, and (2) FRC push up lights at the cab rear on both sides,” Glick Fire Equipment says on Facebook. “This flat roof Saber cab includes seating for 4 with exterior access to interior storage on both sides for EMS equipment, a Cummins L9 450hp engine, and an LS RS and R camera system, all on a 174.5 wheelbase.”

The Traer (IA) Fire Department recently received a donated 55’ aerial to add to its fleet.

Cedar Falls council member Dave Sires donated the apparatus.

“We are beyond grateful to Dave Sires, his wife, and his trusty dog Jack,” the department writes on Facebook. “We are working on making some minor repairs and getting the truck put in service in the next couple months.”

Sires purchased the apparatus about a year ago for fun, reports kcrg.com.

See video of the Bronto Skylift, which boasts continuous 360-degree rotation; stands 12 feet tall; 43 feet, 4 inches long; can be fully jacked in 45 seconds; has a 135-foot reach; and can pump 1,250 gallons per minute.

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Shelby, N.C. (February 1, 2022) – HURST Jaws of Life^® , a business unit of IDEX Fire & Safety, is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the revolutionary Jaws of Life brand in 2022. The company whose hero tool founded the modern-day rescue tool industry is marking its half-century milestone with a celebratory logo, challenge coins, patches and more.

“HURST Jaws of Life has been an icon for the rescue tool industry for 50 years, and we’re proud to celebrate this incredible anniversary along with our dealers who serve as  ambassadors for the brand and the first responders who rely on the tools to save lives,” said Britt Hawkins, manager, marketing services, HURST Jaws of Life.

In honor of the event, HURST Jaws of Life has created a custom logo along with commemorative challenge coins and patches that will be distributed throughout the year. As the anniversary campaign looks back on 50 years of saving lives, it also recognizes the family heritage of first responders, where generations of families work together and children often follow in the footsteps of their parents and grandparents. 

The history of HURST Jaws of Life rescue tools began when innovator George Hurst, the manufacturer of Hurst shifters and a racing enthusiast, devised a prototype tool to extricate auto racers from high-speed wrecks. In 1972, less than a year later, the HURST Power Tool debuted to the public with production of the model JL-32, which soon was helping first responders extricate everyday drivers from roadside accidents. It gained popularity among firefighters, emergency technicians and law enforcement, and it was soon monikered and then trademarked as the Jaws of Life. 

Since the original spreaders debuted, HURST Jaws of Life has expanded the rescue tool portfolio to also include cutters, combination tools, rescue rams and accessories to help first responders stay safe at the scene. Today’s tools are smaller and lightweight, and they can cut, spread, lift and breach metal, wood and rebar on vehicles and structures to allow first responders to get to entrapped people and save their lives.

Over the years, the company has continually raised the bar on rescue tool power and performance. It introduced the industry’s first battery-powered extrication tool line, eDRAULIC^®, in 2010, allowing first responders tool operation unencumbered by hoses and generators. It next invented StrongArm^®, a battery-powered multitool that fits easily in the trunk of a law enforcement vehicle and operates quietly enough for SWAT team use. In 2019, HURST Jaws of Life launched eDRAULIC Watertight Extrication Tool (EWXT), the first battery-operated tool line to operate completely submerged in fresh water. In 2021, HURST Jaws of Life debuted eDRAULIC 3.0, a revolutionary extrication tool line offering turbo power, a smart dashboard and fresh and saltwater compatibility.    

“HURST Jaws of Life has been equipping heroes for 50 years, and we look forward to bringing continued innovation and first-to-market solutions to the rescue industry for years to come,” Hawkins said.

About HURST Jaws of Life

HURST is the only manufacturer of the Jaws of Life^® brand. There is no equal to saving lives. The company’s commitment to research and development and dedication to quality engineering and manufacturing has resulted in a line of innova