Thanks to a $24,000 Texas A&M Forest Service Rural Volunteer Fire
Department Assistance grant, Central Heights Appleby Volunteer Fire Department purchased up-todate rescue tools.
“The new cutter, spreader and ram, commonly called Jaws of Life, will allow for faster extrication of a
victim after a vehicle accident,” said Fire Chief Jimmy Russell. “They are used to pry open a vehicle to
rescue the occupant that is trapped inside.”
The Jaws of Life tool was originally developed in the 1960’s to rescue drivers at the Indianapolis
Motor Speedway. They have since been improved and adopted for use by rescue teams who use them
to save lives.
“The stronger, smaller and lighter battery powered rescue tools are quicker, saving time when time is
of the essence,” said Texas A&M Forest Service Regional Fire Coordinator Ricky Holbrook. “They
will be a real asset to the department and community.”
Texas A&M Forest Service is committed to protecting lives and property through the Rural Volunteer
Fire Department Assistance Program, a cost-share program funded by Texas State Legislature and
administered by Texas A&M Forest Service. This program provides funding to rural volunteer fire
departments for the acquisition of firefighting vehicles, fire and rescue equipment, protective clothing,
dry-hydrants, computer systems and firefighter training.
For more information on programs offered by Texas A&M Forest Service, please visit
http://texasfd.com.