Union County fire department acquires new equipment for $250,000
UNION -- In crisis, every minute matters.
For years, Union County firefighters relied on bulky excavation tools, commonly referred to as the "Jaws of Life," to wrench through cars and rescue victims trapped inside. The tools worked -- but its sheer weight inhibited speed. And as cars modernized and were built with high-strength boron-infused steel, older excavation tools became more antiquated.
Union County firefighters revealed on Monday their newest prized possession: A lighter, faster excavation tool 30 percent lighter than older models and three times as strong.
"It's great to use," said firefighter Paulo Lopes. "It's light. It's fast. The spreaders open quickly. They close faster so you can cut and move onto the next cut a lot faster."
Lopes then proved his point.
In 17 minutes, the firefighters tore apart a car donated by chemical company BASF for the purpose of demonstration. By the end, shards of glass littered the ground surrounding the dusty orange hatchback, and its doors lay around the periphery. The smell of gasoline lingered in the air.
"New vehicle technology is a big challenge for us," said Lt. Anthony Schmidtberg.
Even with the newer excavation technology, Schmidtberg said tearing into a car requires a certain level of precision. Carelessness can trigger explosions in hoods and trunks.
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The department paid 4250,000 to buy 78 pieces of equipment, including hoses and storage bags, said fire chief Thomas Byrne. Officials will pay back the $250,000 to the equipment company, ESI, over a period of two years with no interest.
"When we tried to purchase it, it was a lot of money, obviously," Byrne said. "But the township council saw the need. We really need this, and both of us agreed."
The firefighters once had to call in for help from another town while a truck lay on its side, hanging slightly over a small cliff, Byrne said. His unit stabilized the truck and some firefighters were trying to get to the victim inside, but the truck's steel was too difficult to cut.
When outside help arrived, they came supplied with the lighter, more modern excavation tools that Union County firefighters would eventually own, he said.
He said the two units combined their tools to pull the victim out, wasting no time.
The township committee knew it wasn't something I had to sell -- they understood," Byrne said.
Katie Park may be reached at kpark@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @kathspark. Find NJ.com on Facebook.