Stratford, CT — October 14: With the installation of new rescue struts on TAC 5, the Stratford Fire Department has improved its technical rescue capabilities. The new apparatus supports trench shoring, vehicle stabilization, and structural collapse operations in multiple ways.

When the previous TAC unit went into service in 2011, the struts were purchased as a replacement for a demonstration set. The TAC 5 crew and department members from the apparatus committee worked together to design, upgrade, and install the new tools in order to satisfy operational requirements and enhance efficiency and safety on the scene. These rescue struts represent an important step forward in preparedness. According to national fire-service best practices, modern stabilization systems are essential for responding to diverse technical-rescue incidents, ensuring firefighter safety and structural integrity during extrication or collapse scenarios.