The new equipment was put into service on March 3 and the Abilene Fire Department is now training on its use.
“We are training on the operation and capability of the equipment,” said Kale Strunk, Interim Fire Chief. “Brad Dunlap with John’s Service is providing wrecked vehicles, so we will have hands-on experience with top, side, and wheel resting vehicles, and other scenarios giving us the opportunity to think outside the box. This type of training is a great refresher on some things while also allowing us to pick up some new techniques on others.”
The total cost of the equipment was $66,670.28. Dickinson County contributed $25,000 to the cost and assisted the two other squads in Dickinson County with extrication equipment upgrades.
“The advantage to this is that the three rescue units in Dickinson County will be replacing 15-year-old equipment that no longer serviceable,” Strunk said. “Our current extrication equipment is no longer capable of performing extrication operations on modern vehicles, due to advancements in technology, design, and high tensile steels used to keep passenger compartments safe.”
The new extrication equipment also allows for reliable service with line tools and flexibility with battery-powered tools for remote areas.
According to Strunk, the advantage of working together allows uniformity county-wide with the ability to interchange equipment if needed on a large incident, which can save time and possible lives.
The new equipment is made in the USA and has a Lifetime warranty.
