A generous donation from a local service club will make a big difference when Vernon firefighters need to rescue people from a vehicle or building.
“On behalf of the Vernon Four Seasons Kiwanis Club, we are very happy to support the local fire department,” said Tom Watkinson, President of the Club. “We are providing a donation of $12,554.55 to purchase a piece of equipment that will complement the Jaws of Life.”
The donation is going towards a multi-use auto extrication tool, specifically referred to as a combi tool, used to spread and cut metal on a vehicle or in a building.
“The department is very grateful to the Kiwanis Club for this donation,” said Fire Chief David Lind. “City Council has invested heavily in improving fire services equipment over the last few years, and this is just going to add to the tools in the tool box.”
Council budgeted $50,000 in 2020 to replace aging auto extrication equipment that was 30-35 years old. However, the cost of the combi tool fell outside of that budget.
“The Kiwanis Club was looking for areas to serve the community and provide support, and when they heard about the benefit the combi tool could offer, they decided to make a donation,” said Chief Lind. “This updated equipment is going to serve our community well for many years ahead. Vernon Fire Rescue Services appreciates the work that all our not-for-profit organizations and service clubs do in the Greater Vernon area every day. These are our community members making a difference.”
Auto extrication equipment is carried on multiple fire trucks to provide coverage across the city. “In winter, if roads are icy and driving conditions get bad, we may need to respond to multiple vehicle crashes back to back and need equipment in multiple places at once,” said Chief Lind.
Vernon’s traditional extrication equipment relied on a gasoline powered plant and hydraulic lines for operation, so operability was limited to the range of that power plant and required multiple people to be involved in moving the equipment. The new tools have the hydraulics built into them and are powered by a battery power pack, providing more versatility and allowing firefighters to take the tools into buildings and other restricted areas.
Below is a photo of a cheque presentation to Vernon Fire Rescue Services.
Left to right: Tom Watkinson, (Kiwanis Club President), Firefighter Ryan McGiverin, Fire Chief David Lind, Firefighter Derek Kruysifix, Warren Cecchini (Kiwanis Club member), Firefighter Darren Cecchini.
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