Oglethorpe County Fire and Rescue’s Station 10: Beaverdam Volunteer Fire Department recently took delivery of brand new AMKUS Ion Battery Powered Heavy Rescue Tools. These tools, including the Cutter, Spreader, Combi-Tool, K-9 Saw, and Windshield Removal Kit have been placed into service and have replaced Engine 10’s old hydraulic rescue tools. Beaverdam has also purchased a new hammer and impact driver, as well as a new reciprocating saw kit. The total cost of the new rescue equipment was $33,196.50. What may seem like a lot of money to some, this purchase was absolutely necessary to replace old equipment that was reaching the end of its life.
The new rescue equipment is stronger and more durable than our old set of tools. Moving away from traditional hydraulic tools with power packs and going to a battery-operated tool saves valuable time on the scene when a patient is entrapped, and rapid extrication is required. Beaverdam ordered these new tools in April of 2021 and took delivery on June 3rd, 2021. Members have since been training with the new equipment to ensure safe and efficient use of the tools so that they can provide the citizens and visitors of Oglethorpe County with the best care possible. “We consider this money well spent,” Jehu Post, Chief of Beaverdam VFD, stated. Post continued, “We are in the business of protecting the lives and property of our citizens and visitors, and the leadership in the fire department felt that these tools will assist us to accomplish that task.” Oglethorpe County Fire Rescue and Beaverdam Volunteer Fire Department would like to thank Fire-Line Inc. and The Commercial Bank for their assistance in making this purchase possible.