WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. From Fireman's Fund Insurance Company. (Edited) December 11, 2006: Preferred Services Group and Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company has announced the White Plains Fire Department will receive an $8,990 grant for life-saving rescue equipment, the "Jaws of Life" and "Rabbit Tools" to be used throughout the County through the Westchester County Mutual Aid system that provides rescue services on Interstates 287 and 684, Route 22, and the Hutchison River and Bronx River Parkways. The grant will be presented to the city and fire department Friday morning.
White Plains Fire Chief Richard Lyman.
“Firefighters race against the clock to get victims to the emergency room within the ‘golden hour,’” points out Rich Lyman, White Plains Fire Department Fire Chief. “Currently we are using a 25-year-old tool cutter but will now purchase the latest technologically-advanced rescue equipment that will enhance our department’s operational effectiveness and efficiency. I want to thank Preferred Services Group and Fireman’s Fund for recognizing an essential need of our department and this community.” Photo, WPCNR News Archive
Specifically, equipment purchased will include a “Jaws of Life” rescue tool used by emergency responders to cut through metal allowing them to safely and quickly rescue people trapped in motor vehicles as a result of an accident. In addition, funds will purchase two “Rabbit Tools,” forcible entry pieces of equipment used for, among other things, gaining quick access to building interiors during emergencies. Remaining funds will go to the purchase of smoke detectors to be used in conjunction with the department’s Residential Public Education/Smoke Detector program, geared toward providing low-income families and senior citizens with detectors.
“As a White Plains-based company, the welfare of this city and county is of utmost importance to us,” states Ken Murray, vice president of sales & marketing for Preferred Services Group. “This grant will provide critical pieces of equipment that will make this community a safer place in which to live and work.”
Preferred Services Group and Fireman’s Fund executives will come together for a grant presentation event taking place at City Hall with Joseph M. Delfino, Mayor of the City of White Plains, and other local officials in attendance, Friday, December 15 at 10 A.M.
The grant was funded by Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company, a premier property and casualty insurance company that also provides grants to fire departments through its Fireman’s Fund Heritage program. Under the program, local agencies like Preferred Services Group that sell Fireman’s Fund products are able to direct grants to support local fire departments and the communities they serve. Additional information about the program can be found at www.firemansfund.com/heritage.
