GRANT FUNDING

Fund Your Next Generation of Rescue Tools 

Equipping your department with the latest rescue tools may be more achievable than you think. Grant opportunities may be available to help fund new extrication tools, replace aging equipment, or expand rescue capabilities. 

Put Funding to Work for Your Department 

Fire departments across the country use grants to fund rescue tools, training, and other critical equipment. Federal programs, state initiatives, and private foundations have helped departments secure funding for vehicle extrication and rescue capabilities. 

Explore common funding sources, learn from departments that have successfully secured funding, and discover options that may help bring the latest HURST Jaws of Life® technology to your team. 

Why departments apply: 

  • Improve rescue response capabilities

  • Replace aging hydraulic equipment

  • Reduce maintenance costs 

  • Enhance firefighter and patient safety 

Federal Grants 

Assistant to Firefighers Grant (AFG)

The FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant program helps departments obtain critical equipment, vehicles, training, PPE, and operational resources needed for emergency response. Since 2001, the program has funded equipment purchases for thousands of fire departments across the US.

Eligible equipment purchases may include: 

  • Battery-powered rescue tools

  • Complete extrication systems
  • Rescue equipment and accessories

Private Foundation Grants

Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation 

The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation provides grants to first responders for lifesaving equipment, including vehicle extrication tools. The Foundation specifically identifies vehicle extrication equipment as an eligible funding category and continues to provide grants to departments nationwide. 

Eligible equipment purchases may include: 

  • New rescue tool purchases

  • Replacement of outdated equipment

  • Expansion of rescue capabilities

  • Frontline response equipment 

State & Regional Opportunities

Many states offer annual grant programs focused on: 

  • Highway safety

  • Traffic incident response

  • Rural emergency services

  • Volunteer fire department support

  • Regional preparedness initiatives 

HURST representatives can help departments identify opportunities that may be available within their state or region. 

Success Stories: Funding in Action

Dowagiac Fire Department Receives $33K+ Grant for New HURST Equipment 

A Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation grant helped the Dowagiac Fire Department replace 20-year-old rescue tools with a new battery-powered E3 CONNECT extrication system. 

El Dorado County Fire Receives $95,000 State Grant for New Rescue Tools 

El Dorado County Fire Protection District received a $95,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety to purchase new HURST Jaws of Life® extrication equipment, enhancing its ability to safely and efficiently rescue victims trapped in vehicles. 

Ocean Township Fire District Secures AFG Funding for New Extrication Equipment 

Ocean Township Fire District No. 2 received a $67,938 FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) to replace rescue tools that had been in service since the 1970s, funding new hydraulic extrication equipment to improve vehicle rescue operations and firefighter effectiveness. 

Building a Stronger Grant Application 

 

Community Need

Explain: 

  • Annual extrication call volume

  • Population served

  • Highway, interstate, or industrial risks

  • Mutual aid responsibilities 

 

Operational Impact 

Describe: 

  • Aging or inadequate equipment

  • Reliability concerns

  • Maintenance challenges

  • Capability gaps 

 

Life Safety Benefits 

Highlight how new rescue tools can: 

  • Reduce extrication times

  • Improve firefighter safety

  • Increase operational readiness 

  • Enhance patient outcomes 

 

Measurable Results 

Include: 

  • Number of annual rescues

  • Vehicle crash statistics

  • Coverage area information

  • Equipment age and service history 

How HURST Helps

While HURST does not award grants or guarantee funding, we can help departments better understand funding opportunities and prepare stronger equipment requests. 

Equipment Recommendations

Our team can help identify the right rescue solution based on: 

  • Call volume

  • Vehicle types in your response area

  • Budget requirements

  • Mutual aid responsibilities

  • Future growth plans 

Grant-Support Resources 

We can provide: 

  • Detailed equipment quotations

  • Product specifications

  • Technical documentation

  • Justification language

  • Department-specific equipment recommendations 

Why Departments Trust HURST

For generations, HURST Jaws of Life® has been synonymous with rescue. From the original hydraulic extrication tool to today's advanced battery-powered systems, HURST continues to help rescuers perform when lives are on the line. 

When departments pursue funding for rescue technology, they're not simply replacing equipment—they're investing in faster response, greater capability, and improved outcomes for every person trapped and waiting for help. 

Ready to Explore Funding Opportunities? 

Whether you're pursuing a FEMA grant, applying for foundation funding, or researching state programs, HURST Jaws of Life can help you take the next step.