Firefighters from Clifton and Chili departments teamed up to learn to use new hydraulic spreaders (jaws of life tools) which each fire company purchased recently. Photo by John Spaulding.

The Clifton and Chili Fire Departments recently put two new rescue tools into service. In February 2000, the Clifton and Chili Fire Department's each purchased "jaws of life" independently.

The tools are hydraulic spreaders and cutters used to remove entrapped victims from motor vehicle accidents. Chili was replacing aging equipment that needed to be upgraded as theirs dated to the early 1970s. Clifton has never owned this type of equipment before but needed to "better serve the needs of the growing community and increased traffic flow through our district," said Deputy Chief Kevin Sands.

Until now, Clifton relied on Chili, Churchville, and the Scottsville Fire Departments to provide auto extrication. Chief Sands said they needed to provide better customer service and become a more self-sufficient department. Clifton has budgeted to purchase this equipment for two years with many hours of research to find the manufacturer that best suited their needs. Additional funds were secured by a state grant with a total price of nearly $14,000. Chief Sands said Clifton has about 42 members and hopes to train 20 members to become proficient with the tool. This is where the Chili Fire Department offered to assist its neighboring department.

Chili has had a "jaws of life" for over two decades and most recently developed an extrication team that travels and competes all over the country. This type of competition focuses on safety and technique, says Battalion Chief Kevin Kolb. Chili purchased equipment from the same manufacturer after exhaustive research and hands on demonstrations from six different vendors. Likewise, they spent over two years to find the best tool for their needs. "I am very pleased with the tool. The TNT has surpassed our expectations so far" says Chief Kolb. The newer jaws are stronger and faster than their predecessors, allowing quicker removal of victims from vehicles. Clifton teamed up with Chili to get real hands on training and learn "tricks of the trade" to bring them up to speed. They received some training from the manufacturer, TNT Rescue Tools, but needed more in depth, advanced techniques that Chili has acquired over the years. Both departments met for several weeks in a row and will continue to meet periodically, says Chief Kolb. "Training is an ongoing process that is essential to remain proficient with the tool. The intent is to successfully extricate trapped persons and to get them medical care as fast as possible."

Anyone interested in becoming a member of either fire department can call Chili at 889-2873 or visit their web site at www.chilifire.org or contact the Clifton Fire Department at 889-9636 or email them at Cliftonfd@aol.com.