Belleville’s fire department will soon have some new high-tech “Jaws of Life’ to assist in its work in the community.
City council heard a report from Fire Chief Mark MacDonald this week regarding the state of the department’s rescue equipment.
MacDonald pointed out the present hydraulic tools are more than 30 years old.
He noted the new automobiles are built of steel, not easily cut for rescue in an accident by the older tools.
MacDonald called the new generation of the jaws of life “the Tesla version of extrication tool” and can be used in water rescue as well.
He said the new version is being used by many municipalities in Canada and the United States.
Council approved the purchase at $130,000.
The money had been set aside in this year’s equipment budget.
