Bolingbrook 'Jaws Of Life' Purchase Funded By AAA

BOLINGBROOK, IL -- The Bolingbrook Fire Department received a $7,450 grant from AAA – The Auto Club Group, which will be used to purchase a battery powered Holmatro rescue tool, commonly known as the "jaws of life."

Located at the intersection of I-55 and I-355, and with the industrial corridor of distribution centers on the village’s west side, the Bolingbrook Fire Department serves 76,000 residents and responds to approximately 600 motor vehicle crashes each year.

The majority are minor fender-benders, but unfortunately, some are more serious and require firefighters to use special power tools and equipment like the jaws of life to safely extricate the occupants from their vehicles.

“We appreciate the bravery and dedication of our Bolingbrook firefighters, and are happy to partner with them to help motorists when there is a crash," said Beth Mosher from AAA – The Auto Club Group.

The original grant application was written by firefighter/paramedic Matt Trnka, a 10-year veteran of the Bolingbrook Fire Department, who works out of Station # 4 on West Boughton Road.

“This new tool is battery powered and portable" Trnka said. "It does not rely on hydraulics back on the fire engine to operate. Since it’s cordless, we’ll be able to maneuver better and get it into tight places."

The Auto Club Group (ACG) provide membership, travel, insurance and financial services offerings to approximately 8.5 million members across 11 states and two U.S. territories including Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands; most of Illinois, Minnesota and Tennessee; and a portion of Indiana. ACG belongs to the national AAA federation with nearly 53 million members in the United States and Canada and whose mission includes protecting and advancing freedom of mobility and improving traffic safety.

Top photo: Beth Mosher from AAA – The Auto Club presents Bolingbrook Mayor Roger C. Claar with a grant for $7,450 to be used by the Bolingbrook Fire Department to purchase a Holmatro rescue tool (jaws of life).

Submitted by the Bolingbrook Fire Department