PRESS RELEASE - December 29, 2025

Office of Traffic Safety Awards $79,000 Grant to San Miguel Fire & Rescue for New Emergency Response Equipment

Spring Valley, Calif. – San Miguel Fire & Rescue announced today that it has received a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to purchase new extrication equipment. Known as the “jaws of life,” first responders use these specialized tools to safely rescue crash victims trapped inside a vehicle.

"We are incredibly grateful for this grant, which will allow us to purchase state-of-the-art rescue tools and provide training to first responders that is critical for the care of people injured in crashes,” San Miguel Fire & Rescue, Chief Rich Durrell of Operations said. “These tools will significantly impact our ability to protect and serve our community, allowing us to respond even more effectively in times of crisis.”

Post-crash care is vital in preventing serious injuries from turning deadly. Delays in providing expedient care impacts survival chances. Reducing the time it takes to get to the patient, treating what can be treated, and transporting the patient to the hospital can be the difference between life and death. According to federal data, 42% of people who were killed in car crashes were alive when first responders arrived. New “jaws of life” hydraulic rescue tools will help first responders deliver life-saving measures for patients trapped in vehicles, significantly increasing chances of survival.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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For additional information, please contact Rich Durrell, Division Chief of Operations, at rdurrell@sanmiguelfire.org

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