The Park Forest Fire Department has replaced its older hydraulic vehicle extrication tools with a new battery-powered system, aiming to improve response during serious accidents. The department purchased the Genesis SLI 18-volt extrication tool system for $39,453.60, which included a trade-in credit for the previous equipment.
Fire Chief Mark Cotrano informed the Village Board that the department’s former tools, some more than ten years old, were nearing the end of their useful life and required frequent maintenance. Instead of spending about $10,000 on repairs for outdated equipment, the department decided to fully adopt the newer battery-powered technology.
Firefighter and paramedic Joseph Spanier said this upgrade marks an important improvement in efficiency and capability. “We had some equipment that was aging and, in some cases, obsolete,” Spanier said. “These new tools are the top of the line. You can’t get any better than this right now.”
Unlike older corded hydraulic systems that depended on long hoses and external power units, the new battery-powered tools give firefighters greater mobility. This is especially useful when responding to incidents in remote or hard-to-reach locations.
The new equipment delivers up to 10,000 pounds per square inch of cutting force and is built to handle high-strength materials found in modern vehicles. Firefighters use these tools to cut doors, remove roofs, spread dashboards, and free trapped occupants from wrecked vehicles. The tools can also operate underwater if needed.
“If someone is pinned in a vehicle, these tools let us create the space we need quickly,” Spanier said. “That can make all the difference.”
Park Forest’s extrication team also assists nearby communities such as Richton Park, Matteson, University Park, South Chicago Heights, and Flossmoor through participation in the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS). “We’re known division-wide for the tools we carry and the capabilities we bring,” Spanier said.
Officials believe this investment will help keep Park Forest firefighters prepared with reliable technology for regional emergencies involving vehicle crashes.
Spanier noted that while most daily calls involve medical emergencies, maintaining strong extrication capabilities remains vital for public safety. “We train on these tools multiple times a year,” Spanier said. “When the call comes in, we’re ready.”
According to information from the official website, Park Forest operates under a council-manager government structure with a mayor and six trustees serving as its governing body. The village pursues goals related to economic growth and innovative municipal services while promoting community health programs and sustainability initiatives.
