HOLT, Fla., March 19, 2025—No one wants to be involved in a traffic accident, but they happen.

And almost everyone here living near Interstate 10 knows accidents happen a lot. Unfortunately, some accidents are bad enough that a person gets trapped inside the vehicle.

When that occurs, firefighters—trained to get people out of crushed vehicles—pull out the tools commonly referred to as the “jaws of life.”

In October 2024, Holt Fire District received word that a $41,000 grant was being awarded through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant program to purchase new battery-powered extrication tools.

“Thanks to the recent grant, we now have top-of-the-line equipment that will help us serve our community more effectively,” said Holt Fire District Capt. Shelly Chestnut.

The new AMKUS Rescue Systems battery-powered tools will replace the older hydraulically powered ones.

With the older hydraulic extrication tool system, firefighters had to take the time to fire up a generator needed to power up the hydraulic system, then drag the equipment and hydraulic lines to the vehicle. With the new tools, they can grab and go, saving critical minutes in a rescue.

“To the best of my knowledge, we’re the only Okaloosa County fire district unit—except for Eglin Fire Department—that has this type of battery-powered extrication tools,” said Holt Fire District Chief Scott Chestnut.

The tool package includes a cutter, spreader and ram, and runs on regular Dewalt power tool batteries.

The cutter, which looks like a giant grab claw, operates like a pair of scissors. Powerful jaws cut through metal to remove areas of the vehicle preventing rescue workers from freeing a victim.

Spreaders work just the opposite. Their powerful jaws start in a closed position. When power is applied, they begin to open, forcing metal to separate to provide the space needed to free a victim.

A ram consists of an alloy rod that, once activated, literally punches apart sections of a vehicle that may be pinning someone inside.

Whether battery or hydraulic, these types of tools are used to perform rescues in small spaces.

Earlier this month, Holt firefighters trained on the new equipment at the old fire station/community center location across from the current station. Joining HFD were firefighters from North Okaloosa Fire District and Crestview Fire Department.

Training on two junked cars allowed firefighters get hands-on experience with the new tools and work together with other fire departments as they do when they respond to calls for assistance.

“Training like this is essential in helping our firefighters stay sharp, ready and able to respond with confidence and precision,” said Shelly Chestnut. “Every drill, every tool and every technique we master brings us one step closer to providing the best possible service to our community.”