Grant funds new Jaws of Life
Plymouth Township Fire Chief Dan Phillips (right) instructs Firefighter Guy Vallet (from left), Captain Chuck Mann and Firefighter Jim Harrell on the features of the new tools.
Jan. 12, 2017 PLYMOUTH EAGLE.
Plymouth Michigan News
Don Howard
Staff Writer
The Plymouth Township Fire Department has two new life-saving vehicle-extraction rescue tools commonly known as Jaws-of Life. The new portable, state of the art-battery operated pneumatic tools received recently, valued at $20,000, were funded by a grant sent from Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit charity organization. The funding was made possible by customer donations to the more than 1000 stores owned by the Florida-based firm.
Plymouth Township Fire Captain Dan Atkins created the grant request and Chief Dan Phillips said he was elated by the award. The new tools will replace a much older set of Jaws purchased in 1998. Phillips explained the units are self-contained and free up the firefighters from dragging hydraulic hoses with limited reach. The equipment eliminates the risk of lines being punctured by broken glass or debris.
“This new equipment is already being used on the job.” Phillips said.
According to company information, Firehouse Subs co-founders brothers Chris and Robin Sorenson formed the public safety foundation dedicated to helping the life saving capabilities of professional firefighters. They have donated more than $23 million to thousands of public safety organizations and first responders with life-saving equipment, scholarships, and prevention education through the foundation. Chris Sorenson is a former firefighter.
Plymouth Voice.
Photo: © Don Howard/Associated Newspapers
