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Commission approves purchase of battery‑operated extrication tools for fire engines

5764846 · August 19, 2025

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Summary

The commission approved replacing an aging hydraulic extrication set with a battery‑operated cutter, spreader and ram from Impact Rescue at an estimated $50,000; the department said battery tools are stronger, more maneuverable and avoid carbon‑monoxide exposure from gas pumps.

The City Commission authorized purchase of a battery‑operated extrication tool set — cutter, spreader and ram — from Impact Rescue, a sole‑source vendor in Michigan, at an estimated cost of $50,000. Fire staff said the hydraulic equipment the city previously used is no longer repairable and parts are unavailable; replacing the set will equip all three frontline fire engines with battery‑operated tools. Staff explained the battery tools deploy faster, are easier to maneuver in tight spaces and eliminate the need to run gas‑powered pumps that generate carbon monoxide inside enclosed spaces. Impact Rescue will also provide annual inspections under the existing service arrangement. The motion to purchase the tools was approved by the commission.