Fire Department In North Webster Acquires Extrication Equipment

North Webster/Tippecanoe Township Firefighter Chase Wroblewski, left, receives instruction from Howell Rescue Systems Regional Sales Manager Timm Grant on use of one of the new battery-powered extrication tools. Firefighter Kevin Gunkel, left, is shown watching. InkFreeNews photo provided.

News Release

NORTH WEBSTER — The North Webster/Tippecanoe Township Fire Department has taken delivery of next-generation battery-powered extrication tools.

The Tippecanoe Township Board, consisting of Ed Clayton, James Rhodes and James Smith, unanimously approved the equipment purchase in June; after it was presented by Fire Chief Jeremy Likens.

A Genesis eForce spreader, heavy duty cutter and combination tool; in addition to a vehicle stabilization kit were purchased from Regional Sales Manager Timm Grant of Howell Rescue Systems. The fire department now has three sets of extrication equipment; including a combination tool on the first-due ambulance. The Genesis gear is completely wireless, as compared to the traditional hydraulic equipment of the past.

According to Township Trustee Chris Francis, “It is our responsibility to provide state of the art equipment, while maintaining fiscal responsibility, for the safety of our staff and residents.” Firefighters have conducted four separate training sessions with the new tools. The total cost for the project was just under $35,000 from the cumulative fire fund.

North Webster/Tippecanoe Township Fire Department received delivery of new battery-powered extrication tools. Shown are the Genesis eForce spreader, heavy duty cutter and combination tool.