Baroda firefighters and other first responders will have a substantive new tool for use at crash scenes going forward thanks to the generosity of AAA The Auto Club and their Traffic Safety Grant Program.
Baroda is one of ten Michigan fire departments receiving the funds in AAA’s 2020 award program announced today.
AAA says, “2020 has been a tough year for everyone and no one knows that more than our first responders.” They add, “The traffic safety grants announced today will go a long way to help improve traffic safety across Michigan during this trying time.”
After reviewing 185 applications, AAA awarded a total of $74,000 to 10 first responders across the state, including Baroda which will get the new tool shown in the photo accompanying this story. The grants fund an array of crash rescue equipment, including “Jaws of Life” cutting tools and traffic incident management equipment to alert motorists of an emergency. In Baroda’s case, as shown in the chart below, the department will get the Genesis Rescue Systems S44-SL Spreader E Force 2.0 Electric Hydraulic Spreader, a “Jaws of Life” type of rescue extrication tool.
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Traffic Safety Grant Award Recipients and Programs |
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| Ashley Fire Department | Traffic cones, NFPA -compliant vests, traffic control signage, emergency lighting for back of vehicles. |
| Baroda Fire Department | Genesis Rescue Systems S44-SL Spreader E Force 2.0 Electric Hydraulic Spreader. |
| Burleigh-Reno-Whittemore Department | Extrication stabilizer struts; used in conjunction with cribbing to stabilize overturned vehicles and unstable machinery. |
| Fife Lake Emergency Services Authority | Road flares, traffic cones, stop paddle signs |
| Garfield Township Fire Department | Stop / slow traffic signs, and reflective road safety vests |
| Grant Township Fire Department | Lift bags for extrication ANSI-compliant breakaway safety vests and Stop/Slow signs for traffic control |
| Hamburg Township Fire Department | Hurst Edraulic SC758E2 Electric Combination Extrication tool. |
| Ludington Fire Department | Genesis EForce extrication cutting tools |
| Portage Township Fire Department | HURST E-Draulic extrication tool package |
| Whitewater Township Fire Department | Hurst eDRAULIC® Combi-Tool for extrication |
Adrienne Woodland, spokesperson for AAA – The Auto Club Group, says, “Improving traffic safety in our communities is part of our DNA and that starts with our roadside heroes,” adding, “We are extremely honored to be able to help, even in a small way, so many great agencies across Michigan.”
AAA’s 2021 traffic safety grant program application period opens on January 1, 2021. Applications will be considered from first responders in Michigan, and interested organizations can apply by sending an email to TrafficSafeyGrants@acg.aaa.com.
