WAYNE, Mich. – Members of the Wayne Fire Department are accustomed to doing the saving, but now people in the community are stepping up to help them when they need it most.
The Jaws of Life rescue equipment at Station No. 5 in Wayne was considered new in 1996. Today, rather than saving lives, Capt. Fred Gilstoff says it’s more of a safety concern.
“It takes away our possibility of saving somebody’s life or getting them to the hospital in time and that’s unacceptable for us,” Gilstoff said. “We want everything on that truck ready to use so we don’t take a lot time to help someone. That’s the key to do things fast.”
The unit itself still works, but it’s exceeded its lifespan. It’s loud, leaks and has major limitations.
“Newer vehicles have a stronger metal in them. The cutter isn’t about to cut that metal,” Gilstoff said. “It takes 300,000 tons of force to shear the metal in the new vehicles. Our tool only goes up to 120,000.”
It will cost the department $27,000 to replace the Jaws of Life unit. Gilstoff has reached out to local businesses and through donations has already raised $23,000, but they need help raising the last bit.
Sammy Willingham and Bernadette Brock stepped up.
“My family lives in Wayne, my friends live in Wayne, I live in Wayne and if one of them were to get in an accident but couldn’t be rescued due to outdated equipment, that’s just wrong,” said Willingham.
Willingham heard about the need and wanted to do something so he and Brock started a fundraiser to help the Wayne Fire Department raise the last of the money.
“The city of Wayne is going through its own financial trouble, we need to come together as community,” said Willingham.
“We don’t get a lot of ‘thank yous’ on the job, but that’s OK, it’s what we do,” said Gilstoff. “But when people like Sammy and Bernadette do something like this, it makes me feel like they’ve got my back.”
FUNDRAISER
Replace Aging and Outdated City of Wayne Fire Station Equipment
Where : Wayne Bowl, 36900 Michigan Avenue in Wayne, Michigan 48184
When : Saturday April 16, 2016
Kids Glow Bowl - 12:30 -2:30 p.m. Tickets $10.00
Adult Bowl - 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets $15.00
Learn more at their Facebook page.
