September 27, 2017 - The Center Fire Department is thankful for an anonymous donation which enabled them to replace their aging jaws-of-life. Fire Chief Keith Byndom said, “Because our jaws setup we had was old, we started having problems with it and we were looking at replacing our system. Someone stepped up and donated us the funds to be able to get a new system, we decided to go with a battery operated system.” Chief Byndom commented they chose the battery operated because it has a quicker response time due to it not having the larger power unit or the hoses for operation. The battery operated system is easier to load up and go as well as unload at the scene and get to work.
The new jaws-of-life is a combination system which cuts and spreads and has over 10,000 psi. It came with two batteries which have an estimated three month shelf life before needing to be recharged and has a minimum of a 45 minutes to an hour of continuous run time per battery.
The department was able to purchased the jaws which cost around $9,000 about a month ago. Thankfully they haven’t had to use the new system in the field; however, they are extremely thankful to have the new jaws because their use can mean life for someone trapped.
