The Oregon Department of Emergency Management has announced the delivery of advanced water rescue equipment to two Southern Oregon communities as part of the State Preparedness and Incident Response Equipment (SPIRE) grant program.
Grants Pass Fire & Rescue and Douglas County Fire District #2 have each received an Emergency Integrated Lifesaving Lanyard or EMILY -- a swift-water rescue device designed to support life-saving efforts in dangerous water conditions.
The compact, remote-controlled, battery-powered devices can travel through swift currents to bring a flotation device directly to a person in distress, making them a vital tool for rapid water rescues.
Joe Hyatt, Deputy Chief of Grants Pass Fire & Rescue, said the EMILY device will provide rescuers with a much-needed tool to mitigate water rescue incidents safely and successfully.
The new equipment was received by the City of Grants Pass and Douglas County in May. These cutting-edge tools represent the state's commitment to enhancing local emergency response capabilities through SPIRE -- a grant program designed to bolster disaster preparedness by equipping first responders with essential tools and technology.
To learn more about the SPIRE program and see where life-saving equipment is located throughout Oregon, visit "spire-geo.hub.arcgis.com."
