Firefighters get new tools of the trade

By JEFFREY SIMMONS/Staff

Max Meadows firefighters are getting a car opener for Christmas.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced Friday that the volunteer department had been given a grant to buy tools for getting motorists out of wrecked vehicles.
“(It’s) something we’ve never had,” said MMVFD Chief David Morris.
According to Morris, department members are often the first rescuers to arrive at wreck scenes and can use a hydraulic cutter, spreader and ram to remove crash victims.
“This will be a whole lot quicker,” he said, adding that the 25-member department has around 12 members certified to use the equipment.
The Lead Mines Rescue Squad and Wythe County Rescue Squad already have the gear, he said.
“(This will) give us an extra set to go along with theirs,” he said.
Now that the $31,863 grant is secured, the department will try and get bids for the equipment. Morris said the tools probably won’t be in hand until after the first of the year.
With its coverage area including interstates 81 and 77, the Max Meadows crew is often called out to wrecks along the busy highways.
So far this year, the department has answered more than 200 fire and rescue calls – the most ever, Morris said.
According to a FEMA news release, $13,307,308 was awarded to fire departments and other emergency services agencies in the latest round of Assistance to Firefighters grants.
“AFG awards aim to enhance response capabilities and to more effectively protect the health and safety of the public with respect to fire and other hazards,” the release stated. “The grants enable local fire departments and emergency medical services organizations to purchase or receive training, conduct first responder health and safety programs, and buy equipment and response vehicles.”
Since 2001, the program has given out more than $3.3 billion in funding.
Jeffrey Simmons can be reached at 228-6611 or .