GLOUCESTER — Chief Eric Smith and the Gloucester Fire Department are pleased to announce the department is now equipped with new, battery-powered hydraulic rescue tools obtained thanks to state funding.
The battery-powered tools — which firefighters use to free individuals trapped in motor vehicle crashes and other situations requiring extrication — are more powerful and more portable than older tools the department has.
Sen. Bruce Tarr worked to secure $40,000 of funding in a recent budget bill that enabled the Gloucester Fire Department to purchase the new tools, and Sen. Tarr’s efforts were supported by Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante of Gloucester. The new tools include a hydraulic cutter, hydraulic spreader, hydraulic ram, six high-capacity batteries, a battery charger/conditioner and other accessories.
“These new tools will make an incredible difference in our ability to quickly and safely extract individuals from motor vehicle crashes and other dangerous situations. The funding secured by Sen. Tarr and Rep. Ferrante made this capital purchase possible, as we could not otherwise afford these tools in our FY 2022 City Budget,” said Chief Smith. “I would like to thank Sen. Tarr for long being a leader when it comes to helping the Gloucester Fire Department and first responders across the Commonwealth stay well equipped.”
The tools are the second set that Sen. Tarr has helped the Gloucester Fire Department secure funding for. The tools will be deployed on Gloucester Fire Department apparatus that respond to motor vehicle crashes and other incidents requiring rescues.
Sen. Bruce Tarr holds a new, battery-powered hydraulic cutting tool in the Gloucester Fire Department headquarters. Sen. Tarr worked to secure $40,000 in state funding to enable the Gloucester Fire Department to purchase new live-saving tools. (Photo Courtesy Gloucester Fire Department) 
Sen. Bruce Tarr helps unload a box containing new, battery-powered hydraulic rescue tools obtained by the Gloucester Fire Department thanks to state funding that Sen. Tarr worked to secure. (Photo Courtesy Gloucester Fire Department) 
Sen. Bruce Tarr holds a new, battery-powered hydraulic spreader tool obtained by the Gloucester Fire Department thanks to state funding that Sen. Tarr worked to secure. (Photo Courtesy Gloucester Fire Department) 
Sen. Bruce Tarr holds a new, battery-powered hydraulic ram tool obtained by the Gloucester Fire Department thanks to state funding that Sen. Tarr worked to secure. (Photo Courtesy Gloucester Fire Department)
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