DOWAGIAC, Mich. -- The Dowagiac Fire Department announced it has been awarded a $33,874 grant from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation to purchase new extrication equipment.

Fire officials say the funds will allow them to purchase a new battery-operated set of Hurst E3 Connect Jaws of Life, replacing the department’s legacy gasoline-powered hydraulic tools that have been in service for over 20 years.

Officials say the new state-of-the-art extrication equipment significantly enhances the department’s emergency response capabilities.

They add that the new tools are around 40 percent more powerful, fully waterproof, and specifically designed to cut and spread today’s high-strength automotive steel.

They say the tools will also eliminate the need for cumbersome hoses and gasoline engines, enabling faster and safer deployment.

The grant has allowed the department to acquire a complete extrication set, including a cutter, a spreader with forcible entry tips, and a 60-inch ram.

The department thanked Jeff, Tammie, and Rachel Williams, owners of the Niles and Mishawaka Firehouse Subs locations, for their continued support of public safety initiatives.