Grant helps WWFD obtain new rescue tools
By Terry Murry on Friday, October 14th, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – The Walla Walla Fire Department unveiled Thursday its newest lifesaving extrication equipment. The Holmatro cutter, spreader, and accessory kit were made possible by a $27,000 grant from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.
Deputy Fire Chief Eric Wood said the tools will assist firefighters by reducing the time it takes to extricate motor vehicle accident victims. The equipment will also give the department the capability to respond to incidents involving heavy trucks, as well as to cut and spread ultra-hardened steel found in newer vehicles.
In 2005, the founders of Firehouse Subs established the non-profit Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. To date, the charity has donated more than $945,000 to first responders in Washington state, including more than $227,000 in the Tri-Cities.
To celebrate the grant, the Walla Walla Fire Department joined employees at the Sunmarket Firehouse Subs restaurant in Burbank for an acknowledgement ceremony and check presentation. Following the ceremony, firefighters held a vehicle extrication demonstration utilizing the new tools at the Walla Walla Regional Training Facility.
Image via Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation
