Zayante Fire Protection District and its San Lorenzo Valley partners have received a $160,500 state grant to upgrade aging vehicle extrication equipment, improving emergency response capabilities for thousands of residents and visitors.
The award, issued in October by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, supports a Regional Crash Response and Extrication Improvement Program benefiting Zayante, Boulder Creek, Felton and Ben Lomond fire districts.
The funding will pay for modern, electric-powered extrication kits—including a spreader, cutter and ram—designed to help firefighters remove crash victims more efficiently.
Unlike older hydraulic equipment, the new tools are battery powered, water resistant and no longer restricted by hose lines or separate power units. The updated system is expected to reduce extrication time and strengthen the districts’ ability to operate within the “golden hour,” the critical period between injury and emergency room intervention.
Boulder Creek Fire District will also acquire a vehicle stabilization kit, complete with multiple struts and accessories used to safely secure vehicles before firefighters begin extrication.
Collectively, the volunteer departments serve more than 35,000 residents throughout the San Lorenzo Valley, along with more than a million annual visitors to area state parks and outdoor destinations.
Zayante Fire Chief Jeff Maxwell said the equipment upgrade represents a significant step forward for emergency responders.
“Commonly known as the ‘Jaws of Life,’ this technological upgrade from obsolete 2006 tools help us give our community more powerful vehicle stabilization and extrication tools with a battery powered, water resistant and smart dashboard display providing real time feedback with 134,900 lbs of spreading force,” Maxwell said. “The award recognizes the courage, passion and perseverance of our volunteer firefighters who show us every day that they are innovative and committed to doing everything they can to protect life and property in our mountain communities.”
