The Park Forest Fire Department has upgraded its vehicle extrication equipment, replacing aging hydraulic tools with a new battery-powered system designed to improve speed, safety, and performance during serious crashes.
Village officials approved the purchase of the Genesis SLI 18-volt extrication tool system in July at a total cost of $39,453.60, which includes a trade-in credit for older equipment.
Fire Chief Mark Cotrano told the Village Board the department’s previous tools — some dating back more than a decade — were reaching the end of their useful life. Many were corded hydraulic units that required costly maintenance, including hose replacements and component rebuilds.
Rather than spend an estimated $10,000 to keep outdated tools operational, the department opted to transition fully to the newer battery-powered platform, now considered the industry standard.
Firefighter/paramedic Joseph Spanier, who has been with the department for more than 10 years, said the upgrade represents a significant advancement in both capability and efficiency.
“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 systems that relied on 100-foot hydraulic lines, the new battery-powered tools allow firefighters to operate without being tethered to a power unit. That flexibility can be critical when vehicles are off-road, in fields, or in difficult-to-access areas.
The tools deliver up to 10,000 pounds per square inch of cutting force and are designed to handle modern high-tensile vehicle materials, including boron steel commonly found in newer vehicles. Firefighters use the equipment to cut through doors, peel back roofs, spread dashboards, and remove steering columns when occupants are trapped.
In certain cases, the tools can even operate underwater, allowing crews to access submerged vehicles.
“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.”
The department’s extrication capabilities extend beyond Park Forest. Through the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS), Park Forest crews are automatically dispatched to assist neighboring communities, including Richton Park, Matteson, University Park, South Chicago Heights, and Flossmoor, during serious crashes.
“We’re known division-wide for the tools we carry and the capabilities we bring,” Spanier said.
Officials said the investment ensures Park Forest firefighters remain equipped with modern, reliable technology to respond to vehicle crashes, which occur regularly throughout the region.
While most daily calls involve emergency medical services, Spanier said the ability to perform rapid extrications remains a critical component of the department’s mission.
“We train on these tools multiple times a year,” Spanier said. “When the call comes in, we’re ready.