Excelsior Springs, Mo. – The Excelsior Springs Fire Department has replaced its outdated hydraulic rescue tools with new battery-powered extraction equipment, thanks in part to a grant from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. Assistant Fire Chief Joe Cline said the department’s old hydraulic tools, commonly referred to as the Jaws of Life, were limited by their reliance on long hoses and a portable power unit. The new battery-operated tools, however, allow crews to work more efficiently without being tethered to a hydraulic system.
“Our old tools were all hydraulic, which meant we had to use a portable power plant and hoses, limiting where and how we could use them,” Cline said. “These new tools are completely battery-powered, which makes them much easier to deploy and use in tight spaces.”
New Equipment Improves Response Time
The department’s new gear includes a combination tool—known as a “combi tool”—which functions as both a cutter and a spreader. This tool was acquired last year along with a new fire truck. More recently, the department secured a grant to purchase a battery-powered ram, which allows firefighters to push apart sections of a vehicle to free trapped occupants.
“The combi tool is great because it can cut and spread, but when we need to roll a dashboard or create more space, we have to leave it in place,” Cline explained. “That’s where the ram comes in. It has a much longer reach—about 36 inches—and gives us even more capability on a scene.”
Grant Funding from Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation
The purchase of the ram tool was made possible through a grant from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides lifesaving equipment to first responders across the country. The foundation, funded by Firehouse Subs restaurant donations, typically awards grants up to $25,000 to help departments purchase essential gear.
According to Cline, firefighter Zach St. John spearheaded the grant application process for the Excelsior Springs Fire Department, securing funding for the battery-powered ram.
“These types of tools can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $15,000,” Cline said. “Thankfully, Firehouse Subs offers grants that are a great fit for departments like ours. We were able to get the ram through that funding, and we’re hoping to secure additional equipment in the future.”
Training and Real-World Use
To ensure firefighters were comfortable using the new tools, the department conducted training exercises with vehicles donated by Parsons Tow & Recovery and Shoemaker Tow. These hands-on drills allowed crews to practice different extrication techniques and understand how the new equipment performs under real-world conditions.
The tools were also put to use in a dramatic crash recently, when a vehicle went through the roof of the Clay-Ray Veterans Hall. Firefighters deployed the battery-powered tools to assist with the emergency response, demonstrating their effectiveness in high-stakes situations.
“These tools allow us to respond faster and work more efficiently,” Cline said. “They give us the ability to operate in remote areas and get people out of dangerous situations more quickly.”
The Excelsior Springs Fire Department hopes to add more battery-powered extrication tools in the future, further improving its ability to respond to accidents. Thanks to the Firehouse Subs grant, firefighters are now better equipped to handle complex rescues, ensuring safer and more effective emergency responses for the community.
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