During a fire drill on May 3, members of Marion Fire & Rescue along with other fire volunteer departments previewed their newly acquired Hurst extrication tool supplied by Municipal Emergency Services.
"Marion Fire & Rescue would like to thank The Perry County Fire Association, each of the Volunteer Fire Departments of Perry County, The Perry County Commission, and Alabama Forestry Commission for their assistance in the acquisition of new battery operated Hurst extrication tools," said Chief Eddie Horton.Â
Hurst tools are also known as the "jaws of life" and are designed to rescue injured people trapped inside of wrecked vehicles.Â
Horton noted that the department responds to all extrication situations in Perry County except for Uniontown as their department has its own tools, though he said that Marion is "on standby" in case their assistance is needed.Â
The tool was purchased after a meeting of the Perry County Fire Association, it was agreed that each department would contribute $1,000. Despite this the department only had enough funds to pay for one of the tools in a set.Â
"The 'jaws of life' are actually three separate tools. A Cutter, a Spreader, and a Ram," Horton said. "All three tools combined are necessary for proper and safe extrication operations."
The total cost is estimated to be $35,000. With this in mind the department is now raising funds to pay for the rest through a gun raffle. The details of the raffle can be found here.Â
The first drawing will be held at the 27th Annual Marion Rodeo on June 17 and 18 at the Ralph Eagle Memorial Rodeo Arena on Highway 14 in Marion. Tickets can be bought from any member of the department or at Blackbelt Hardware & Outdoors.Â
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