Press Releases
Office of Traffic Safety Awards $42,933 Grant to the Gonzales Fire Department for New Emergency Response Equipment
The City of Gonzales Fire Department 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 vehicles.
"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," Gonzales Fire Chief Jason Muscio 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."
In 2022, more than 55,000 crashes across the country involved vehicle extrication, according to National Fire Incident Reporting System data. Post-crash care is vital in preventing serious injuries from turning deadly. Delays in providing expedient care impact chances of survival. Reducing the time it takes to get to the patient, treating what can be treated, and transporting the patient to the hospital in a timely manner
can make all 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.
About City of Gonzales
The city of Gonzales, California is located in Monterey County. The quaint and culturally diverse community of approximately 9,000 people is in the heart of the Salinas Valley’s agricultural and wine region. Gonzales is an established regional leader in agricultural-technology and innovation, environmental awareness and sustainable practices. Gonzales is home to companies such as HealthySoil, which manufactures products to improve agricultural crop production; Converted Organics, a natural fertilizer company; Taylor Farms, a fresh vegetable production facility, Mann Packing/Del Monte Fresh, a leading supplier of fresh cut vegetables; Ramsay Highlander, an innovator, designer and manufacturer of technologically-advanced harvesting equipment; Papé Equipment Handling, Braga Fresh, Green Valley Farm Supply, Tessemae’s, American Bioscience, Caraccioli Cellars, and Constellation Brands, an international producer and marketer of beer, wine and spirits.