For Immediate Release
Friday, July 7, 2006

St. Landry Parish Fire District No. 7 Receives New Equipment

(Morrow, LA) – St. Landry Parish Fire District No. 7 added some new life saving tools to its emergency equipment this week.  On Thursday, Fire Chief Louis Fogleman and volunteer firefighters took part in a training exercise aimed at teaching them the techniques of extrication.

During the three hour hands-on training session, firefighters were taught how to safely operate the Hurst Mighty-Lite “Maverick” Combination Tool, which is used for extrication purposes.  The “Maverick” is a straight blade cutter/spreader and can be utilized for either structural or vehicle extrication. 

A Honda Power Unit was also awarded to the department for operation of the combo tool on-scene at incidents.  “This equipment will benefit this district greatly and improve their life saving capabilities,” said Lisa Vidrine, St. Landry Parish Director of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness. “Instead of having to wait for another department to provide mutual aid this district will have their own tools to use,” she said.

Steve Bornkessel of River Country Rescue instructed firefighters on how to use the emergency equipment.  The total cost of the extrication package was $9,825 and was made possible through a Homeland Security Grant under the St. Landry Parish Government Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness.

“These new tools are compatible with many area fire departments including other neighboring parishes allowing for more efficient response in larger scale incidents which enhances our mutual aid capabilities,” said Fire District No. 7 Chief Louis Fogelman.