Seth Johnson
Starke Fire Rescue (SFR) will buy new waterproof extrication tools with a $33,180 grant received from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation on Tuesday.
The new tools, including a cutter, spreader and a ram, help remove victims from crashes and ensure rescue teams can give needed assistance in time.
“In car accidents, it can be difficult to simply remove the victim from the accident scene,” the press release said. “That’s why Starke firefighters sometimes perform vehicle extrication… the act of removing the car from around the victim to eventually move the victim to safety.”
The new equipment will arrive in January and be placed on Service Engine 1. The current set of extraction tools will become a backup.
“We are extremely grateful for the extrication equipment provided by the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation,” SFR Chief Gary Wise said in the release. “This equipment will help save lives in Starke and Bradford County.”
The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation began after Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005. Founders Chris Sorensen and Robin Sorensen travelled to Louisiana to help in the aftermath and wanted to do more, starting the foundation soon afterward.
The organization has donated $62.5 million in 49 states, Canada and Puerto Rico since its inception.