As more and more tragic accidents occur on County Line Road, more and more questions surface as to what can be done. Code 10-12 is a phrase firefighters use when alerting their crew to stand by and wait for orders. It is used to let crew members know to “stop” or “stand by” with further instructions; a more than common phrase used too often for the small town, country environment where accidents are usually at a minimum. It is used far too often in Beecher and neighboring communities.
Beecher Fire Chief Joseph Falaschetti has been working along with trustees and officers in being proactive in what the department can offer when these accidents occur. In May, the Beecher Fire Protection District was named a recipient of the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, receiving $40,215 to increase the lifesaving capabilities within the Beecher FPD and neighboring communities.
Items purchased were:
A Genesis spreader: Hydraulic spreaders are primarily used for compressed car frames and other damaged and collapsing structures. Like a pair of scissors, reverse spreaders start in a closed position and apply outward force, moving apart steel and fiberglass frames, while giving victims a space to be seperated from a hazard.
The new Genesis cutter: A more efficient version of the old school circular size and the opposite of spreaders, cutters operate like scissors on steroids. Using immense hydraulic pressure, they cut through metals to remove damaged and dangerous obstructions, allowing openings for firefighters to extricate victims.
The Genesis Ram; While creating openings are important, there are times when firefighters need to dislodge parts of the wreckage, like the steering column or a dashboard. That’s where Rams come in. They’re sturdy metal alloy rods pressed forward to plunge or ram about sections of an accident that may be pinning a victim down and preventing their extrication
These lifesaving instruments can mean life saving moments in patients’ lives. Skilled training goes along with that. BFPD crew had 5332.5 firefighter training hours in the month of May alone.
As Chief Falaschetti stated, “We are grateful to the foundation and our local Firehouse Subs in Bradley for awarding us this grant.” He went on to say, “The new Genesis spreader, cutter, and ram will fulfill a critical need within our department and allow our first responders to operate a fleet of equipment that provides easier portability, faster setup, and improved versatility for critical incidents that need it most.”
In Firehouse Subs “10-12” is a phrase used to welcome customers, referencing a firefighter’s code indicating the presence of visitors. When a customer enters a Firehouse Sub restaurant, an employee will call out “10-12” and the rest of the staff will respond with “Welcome to Firehouse!” For the past 19 years, charitable donations have been the driving force behind Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, supporting first responders and public safety organizations nationwide.
The Firehouse Public Safety Foundation has awarded 6,745 grants valued at more than $92 million to public safety organizations since 2005. This is one of 123 Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation grants, which were awarded to public safety organizations during the most recent grant cycle. The 123 grants will provide critical lifesaving equipment valued more than $2.8 million across the US.
As local communities are lost of options and feel helpless regarding the monumental number of accidents on County Line and Rt. 50 along with County Line and Rt. 1, solutions locally are the only viable options. Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation realizes the need for additional safety equipment. Typically grants range from $15,000 to $25,000 with a maximum of $45,000 per request. Their grant was awarded for $40,214, showing the recognized need for additional safety features.
To donate and learn more, visit any Firehouse Sub and say “10-12” or visit the website at FirehousesubsFoundation.org.