AAA Grant + New Equipment + Cooperative Local Vendors = Positive Outcome for GFD and our Customers

In late 2024, the Graafschap Fire Department wrote for an Auto Club Group Foundation (AAA) grant which would 100% fund the purchase of a new rescue tool. This tool would replace a 40-year old unit and will be carried on the new pumper/tanker that is being built.

The $14,500 grant was awarded and we began to look to our vendors for the best price and service. The Maqueen Emergency Solutions stepped up and gave us the best quote. Once the tool was delivered, we set up some training at Lawrence Towing on Blue Star Highway in Fillmore Township.

Over two training sessions, members had the opportunity to practice with the new Hurst combi-tool . They also used other equipment including existing Hurst tools and the Paratech struts for stabilization.

For our training last night, MacQueen sent Steve Meekhoff from sales and Carl Hein, their field product demonstration representative to introduce the new tool. Carl has over 25 year of rescue experience and was glad to work with our experienced crews to hone their skills. He even took time to work with the probationary firefighters at their levels of training and experience.

The above picture shows Carl giving some positive re-enforcement to our team.

The guys at Lawrence Towing donated some salvage cars and even staged our scene by setting one car on top of the other.

We appreciate The Auto Club Group Foundation, Macqueen Group, and Lawrence Towing for their ongoing support of emergency services in our area and beyond.

If you are interested in becoming a paid-on-call firefighter and live in/near Laketown or Western Fillmore Townships, click here, call 616-396-4060, or just stop by the station M-F, 6-4.