Ellis County ESD #1 purchased rescue tools thanks to a grant through the Texas A&M
Forest Service Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program.
“The new Jaws, cutters, hose and power plant replaced equipment that had been in service for 25 years,” said
Ellis County ESD #1 Assistant Chief Jim Morrison. “This new generation of equipment is lighter and more
compact, making it faster and easier to set up and use.”
Hydraulic rescue tools, also known as the Jaws of Life, are used by emergency rescue personnel to assist in
vehicle extrication of crash victims, as well as other rescues from small spaces. These tools include cutters,
spreaders, and rams. Such devices were first used in 1963 as a tool to free race car drivers from their vehicles
after crashes.
According to Morrison, the department members received training to familiarize them with the new tools. The
volunteers were ready to respond to the two recent emergency calls that required using the tools for extrication.
Ellis County ESD #1 has been serving their area since 1974. Fire Chief Trey Moon and the 30 dedicated
volunteers respond to emergencies in their community of 5,000 as well as mutual aid for the surrounding area.
Anyone wishing to volunteer, be trained and commit time back to the community may pick up an application at
the fire station during the department’s weekly Tuesday night meeting at 7 p.m. The fire station is located at
750 North Main in Maypearl.
“We appreciate the grant programs being available to help Volunteer Fire Departments update equipment that is
vital when responding to emergencies in their communities,” said Morrison.
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.