Howell Rescue Systems workers on Wednesday installed the newly purchased rescue tools on Brookfield Fire Department’s Rescue 18 truck.
The tools were paid for largely with a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant.
Andrew “Dude” Popelas of Howell Rescue Systems attaches a nozzle to hose at Brookfield Fire Department.
The tools include cutting and spreading tools used in extricating people from crashed vehicles, struts for lifting vehicles and a ram.
The hydraulically powered Genesis System cutting and spreading tools were not compatible with the hoses already on the truck, and Howell workers replaced them.
“Basically, we’re replumbing the whole truck with our system,” said Andrew “Dude” Popelas of Howell.
He worked with Fred Schwalb, who crawled under the truck to thread and install the hydraulic hoses.
The tools were expected to be operational Wednesday, while a couple of tools have yet to come in, Popelas said.
The tools cost $60,500 with $2,662 paid by Brookfield and $363 by Hartford. FEMA paid the rest.
A Federal Emergency Management Agency grant largely paid for Brookfield Fire Department’s new rescue tools.
