The "Assistance to Firefighter Grant" is a federal grant awarded through FEMA. You may remember from earlier articles that the Eden Volunteers were a 2009 AFG Grant recipient. The money awarded was used to purchase several items to increase our rescue company capabilities on Truck 24.
Items in the grant included a complete Hurst Mini-lite hydraulic rescue system, a 26-ton Paratech medium pressure air cushion system, several Paratech high pressure lifting bags of various size and shape as well as the complete Paratech Interstate/Motorway stabilization system.
The Hurst Mini-lite system is comprised of a 8" Spreader(7,300lbs), Cutter(13,000lbs) as well as 8" and 10" Rams(10,000lbs). The Hurst tools are operated by a hand pump or a 12V DC pump. These tools will be useful in extrications and rescues involving machinery, farm equipment and confined spaces.
The Paratech Motorway stabilization system is capable of stabilizing up to 120,000lbs with a 4:1 safety ratio. This will greatly increase the stabilization capabilities on Truck 24. The system will be used on commercial and transit vehicles including buses, tractor-trailers, heavy construction equipment and much more. This system will compliment our current Junkyard struts which are limited to use on small passenger vehicles such as cars and SUVs.
In addition, we have recieved extra high pressure lifting bags and two medium pressure air cushions. The medium pressure air-rescue cushions will allow us to lift 26-tons up to 40 inches.
