TRIBES HILL, NY — August 19, 2026 — In order to prepare firemen for upcoming rescue missions, members of the Tribes Hill Fire Department trained firefighters in both classroom and practical settings on new battery-powered vehicle-extrication gear on Tuesday nite.

According to the Tribes Hill Fire Department, Doug DeRidder of the Galway Volunteer Fire Department led the training. Members practiced using the new extrication machinery known as the "Jaws of Life."

Battery-powered extrication equipment can enable fire-rescue teams to use cutting and spreading instruments without having to run hydraulic power units or attach hose lines to an external power source. Because firefighters must be knowledgeable with tool controls, capabilities, battery management, and safe operating procedures before deploying the equipment during a vehicle rescue, regular hands-on training is crucial.

The new equipment comes with a significant price tag. Tribes Hill Fire Department says it is working to raise $50,000 to purchase a new set of Amkus battery-powered extrication tools.

To help fund the purchase, the department's largest fundraiser of the year is a Coachman Catalina camper raffle. The department is selling 1,000 tickets at $50 each, with the winner scheduled to be announced on Memorial Day 2027, according to the August 19 announcement.

Tickets are being sold by Tribes Hill members, and firefighters planned to be at the Fonda Fair throughout the week selling tickets.