Sycamore Volunteer Fire and Rescue gets grant for new lifesaving equipment

Sycamore, Ohio — Sycamore Volunteer Fire and Rescue is now equipped with new hydraulic extrication tools, thanks to a nearly $27,000 grant from Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.

With more traffic incidents than fires, this new battery-powered equipment will greatly aid the department as they work to protect citizens and those traveling through by quickly and efficiently removing trapped victims after motor vehicle accidents and structural collapses.

Multiple state highways run through Sycamore Volunteer Fire and Rescue’s jurisdiction, causing them to see an increase in population especially during the day. Prior to this grant, the crew’s extrication equipment involved a heavy, gasoline-powered engine that took two or more people to move. It was hooked up via hoses and pumps that allowed only a 25 to 30 foot range, making it difficult to assist vehicles off the roadway.

The most wearing aspect of the older equipment was the time required. With just 10 to 15 minutes to extricate victims before air support arrives, the heavy engine and hoses were adding minutes to situations where every second counts.

“We are so grateful for this grant and for all Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation does for first responders across the country,” said Sycamore Fire Chief Rodney Clinger. “Our goal over the past seven years has been to get away from gas-powered equipment, so we can react faster and so we don’t have to store gasoline on the truck. With this grant, we are only one tool away from achieving that goal and being fully battery-operated.”

A portion of every purchase made at U.S. Firehouse Subs restaurants is donated to Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation to help provide funding for lifesaving equipment grant awards. To date, Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has granted over $3.6 Million to first responders in Ohio, including more than $439,000 in the Toledo area.