Zodiac Rescue Boat Used In Dive and Car Rescue Tri-State FPD Provided with Life Saving Equipment for Water Rescues

The Tri-State Fire Protection District of Darien received a grant from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation with the support of the Orland Park Firehouse Subs. The grant provided funding for a 13.5ft, 8-person Zodiac ERB400 rubber water rescue boat, including a 30hp pump jet drive motor and a galvanized trailer for transporting the boat as seen in the photo. The donation is valued at $19,921.40.

The Tri-State Fire Protection District has many waterways and a massive number of retention ponds in its area. According to Bill Johnson, Deputy Chief at the Tri-State FPD, recently the Zodiac was used for a dive rescue in River Forest on the DesPlaines River, and again in the I&M Canal for a car rescue. Deputy Chief Johnson states that the rescue boat is "a great asset to the department."

The new grant-funded Zodiac replaced a 25-year old boat that wasn't motorized or on a trailer, and had to be inflated each time it was needed, said Deputy Chief Johnson. "The Zodiac is much more efficient and ready to go."

The grant was made possible by the generous support of Firehouse Subs patrons and the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.

Thank you Firehouse Subs Patrons!!

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