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Fire department replaces old equipment

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By Steven Martens | Wednesday, March 7, 2007 1:03 AM CST | () comments

CAMANCHE, Iowa — The vehicle extrication equipment purchased by the Camanche Fire Department is slightly used, but not nearly as used as the equipment it replaced.

Fire Chief Dave Schutte said the fire department had been using Jaws of Life equipment that was the first of its kind in Clinton County, purchased by the county more than 25 years ago.

With the help of an $11,749 grant from the Clinton County Community Development Association and matching funds from businesses and organizations, the department recently purchased $20,000 worth of new equipment, including extrication equipment that had been used in demonstrations by the manufacturer and upgrades for the department’s two defibrillators that give the machines more memory and the capability for future software upgrades, Schutte said.

Schutte said the department’s old Jaws of Life tools still functioned, but sometimes had difficulty cutting through the newer metals in new cars.

Representatives of the businesses and organizations that made the purchase possible gathered at the Camanche fire station Tuesday to have a look, and Schutte took the opportunity to thank them for their support.

“We really appreciate everything you do for us,” Schutte said.

Jim McGraw, president of the Clinton County Community Development Association, said he was pleased his group was able to help.

“It’s great to be able to support all the fire departments in Clinton County,” McGraw said.

Steven Martens can be contacted at (563) 659-2595 or smartens@qctimes.com.