Grant helping fire dept update rescue equipment

Graafschap Fire Department using $14,572 to buy new tool.

The Graafschap Fire Department station, 4534 60th St.

The Graafschap Fire Department has received a grant to replace aging rescue equipment.

“This project is part of Graafschap Fire Department’s long-term goal of updating dated equipment that is lighter and more ergonomically friendly,” Chief Doug DenBleyker wrote in a letter to the Graafschap Fire Department fire board and Laketown and Fillmore township officials on Friday, February 14, 2025.

The $14,572.80 grant is from The Auto Club Group Foundation, a foundation funded by the sponsoring organization, AAA – The Auto Club Group to enhance the areas of traffic safety, driver education and financial literacy throughout 14 U.S. states and two U.S. territories.

The grant will fund the purchase of a Hurst Edraulic Combi Tool.

The Graafschap Fire Department has received a grant to purchase a Hurst Edraulic Combi Tool, above.

“This tool is modeled after the original ‘Jaws of Life’ and is planned to be placed on the new pumper/tanker when it is delivered this coming fall,” DenBleyker said in the letter. “The Edraulic Combi Tool will replace a set of extrication tools that are over 40 years old, and this early purchase will give the department time to train on the new equipment prior to putting the truck into service.”

The new truck chassis has been delivered and is waiting in the fire station, 4534 60th St., to be completed later this year.

Dave Grumney, Captain, Training & Health/Safety for the Graafschap Fire Department, took the lead on the grant application.

Graafschap Fire Department Captain, Training & Health/Safety Dave Grumney instructs Deb Kryger, left, and Leigh VanDussen, right, on proper CPR techniques at the Felt Mansion on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025.

Community Risk Reduction

The Graafschap Fire Department leads programs as part of the Community Risk Reduction initiative that include CPR training and blood drives.

The department has free weekly blood pressure checks at the facility from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesdays.

Reflective address signs are made in-house by Graafschap Fire Department retirees. The signs are usually ready for pick up at the fire station after two business days of receiving the order – and the $20 cost is paid at the time of pick-up.

The signs can also be ordered here.

The program also continues a smoke and carbon monoxide installation program. Free alarms installed by firefighters are available to residents. These 10-year lithium battery alarms are provided by a state grant.

For more information, call the fire department at (616) 396-4060 or visit https://graafschapfire.com/