This process slowly adds to the complexities faced by first responders who must interact with all types of vehicles in the performance of their duties. When a motor vehicle crash occurs, first responders bravely jump into action, extricating vehicle occupants, administering lifesaving first aid, directing traffic, investigating the cause, clearing the scene and much more. But the police, firefighters, emergency medical technicians and public safety responders that crash victims rely on face new and unique hazards as more vehicles take to U.S. roads that have vehicle automation and driver assistance features.

The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) released a new report that examines how law enforcement officials and other first responders as well as crash scene investigators can better prepare for automated vehicle technology by highlighting curriculum recommendations to improve training on rapidly changing safety protocols. The report – Law Enforcement, First Responder and Crash Investigation Preparation for Automated Vehicle Technology – was produced by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) and made possible by a grant from State Farm^®.

That was Michelle Beedle’s reality recently. She started having seizures around age 40, but it had been about two years since her last episode. She mistakenly thought she was in the clear. Michelle lives alone, but luckily when this seizure occurred, she was on a call with her colleague, Bre Martin.

The two have worked together for almost a year as administrative assistants at State Farm^®:. The friendship and camaraderie could easily be heard between the two.

“Bre Martin is my Yoda. She's my go-to girl. Bre knows where to find the answer. She's the most experienced on our team. She holds all that knowledge and doesn't mind sharing it,” Michelle said.

Their team has a daily morning call, and afterward, Michelle pinged Bre asking to get on an individual call because she wasn’t feeling well.

“Michelle called me and I started rambling, and then all the sudden I could tell the headset had fallen and there was a rumbling. I know she has cats so maybe, I thought, she had gotten up to get one of them,” Bre explained. “I remember saying ‘Michelle, Michelle?’ And she wasn't answering. It dawned on me that she probably had a seizure. She'd been vocal about the seizure she had a couple years ago. I was afraid she had fallen and hit her head.”

So Bre called 911 on her cell phone while continuing to stay on the Skype call with Michelle. Luckily, Michelle had the idea to gather all their team members’ addresses a short time before her incident, so Bre knew where to send the ambulance when she called.

Since Bre knew Michelle’s history with seizures she was able to provide that important information to the dispatcher.

“I stayed on the Skype call and I stayed on with the dispatcher. I heard the knock on the door from the paramedics, then I heard her speak. It was the first I had heard her speak in about 10 minutes. She said ‘hello, who is it?’ She sounded disoriented.

“I was so grateful I was on the call with her.”

Their manager reported the incident to HR so Michelle’s emergency contact would be notified.

Michelle has no recollection of the event, but was light-hearted about it.

“Most important lesson is even if you're sheltering at home, it might be a good idea to put your clothes on every day. I was in a nightgown. I since have put my clothes on every day,” she said with a laugh.

“The hospital staff was so kind and so nice. I wasn't there for COVID or anything like that. It's the people observing it and taking care of you who get the brunt of the seizure and it's scary.”

Both Michelle and Bre said communication is key during this time.

“I've been trying to check in with everyone a little more frequently. If I hadn't been on the phone with Michelle we wouldn't have known. Who knows how long she could have been laying there?” Bre said.

As a way to express solidarity and thanks to these critical front-line workers, instead of our signature red, we're shining blue.

The lights are part of a nationwide effort to show support. Our Marina Heights hub in Arizona was the first to “Light it Blue” in response to a call by Governor Ducey. We’ve since extended the visible salute to the Corporate Headquarters in Bloomington, Illinois, Park Center hub in Atlanta, and CityLine hub in Dallas. The lights will be lit from dusk to dawn for the next several weeks.

“We want all on the frontlines of this crisis to know how much we care about them,” said Jenny Greminger, Vice President – Administrative Services. "We appreciate their sacrifices to keep us safe and healthy."

Blue light represents calm, faith, trust and helps elevate mood. We hope when essential workers – and others in the community - see the lights they feel uplifted.

In addition to the blue lighting, State Farm has donated millions to nonprofit organizations in direct support of COVID-19 relief efforts.

State Farm^® has been working in partnership with the National Auto Body Council to provide vehicles to be used in these trainings since 2006. During FREE events, responders learn how to deal with multiple airbags, high-strength steel, electric battery cars and more.

The crash happened in 2013, but the raw emotions of that fateful morning are still real for Gary Catronio and his family. "It's as though we lost her yesterday," said Gary. "The pain never subsides."

Life changed for the Catronios the morning of November 17, 2013. On that day, Gary’s 21-year-old daughter Marisa and her best friend Kaitlyn Ferrante, were traveling home after spending time with friends near the Florida coast. Just before 2AM on the Sawgrass Expressway, a speeding car, traveling the wrong way, crashed into Marisa and Kaitlyn with an impact so forceful, it took both of their lives.

"That day we lost our daughter (Marisa) and our daughter at heart (Kaitlyn)," said Gary. "These beautiful, young souls who brought light and love into the world are gone forever."

"They had bright, promising futures," said Kaitlyn's mom, Christine. "Two smart, strong women whose big dreams were just about to begin."

According to reports, the driver hit the pair head on. Her blood alcohol level was twice the legal limit. "This tragedy was 100 percent preventable,” said Christine. “No one should ever experience the searing heartache all of us feel every day.”

Making a Change:

Within 24 hours of losing their daughters – the Catronios, the Ferrantes and their friends made it their mission to honor the legacies of Marisa and Kaitlyn. Not only in their homes, but on interstates nationwide. “Our highways must be safer. So we got to work - starting with the Sawgrass Expressway,” said Gary.

In the winter of 2013, the Catronio family began researching how to block wrong way drivers from entering the road. It’s the mission of Marisa’s Way, a foundation created to prevent driving errors. “It starts with enhanced signage,” said Gary. “We investigated how to alert drivers before it’s too late. The problem is, with some entrances, you can’t see the wrong way warning. Sometimes the signs are too high, too far back, or too far apart – which means car headlights don’t hit them at the right angle – so they don’t illuminate.”

Finding a Solution:

In 2014, Marisa’s Way launched a pilot project using flashing LED wrong way signs.

“They’re not cheap and can cost up to $2,500,” said Gary. “But a representative of Traffic and Parking Control Products and Solutions (TAPCO) heard our story and sent us one. That generosity helped get the ball rolling.”

The enhanced LED blinking signs don’t rely on car headlights to illuminate. Instead, the high tech, low maintenance flashing bulbs help catch drivers’ attention and can trigger a 9-1-1 call to local authorities.

“In 2014, we took a 36 x 24 LED sign with us when we lobbied for this technology in Tallahassee,” said Gary. “The sign flashed as I addressed lawmakers on the steps of the state capitol. Shortly after that presentation, the state approved these signs for testing in South Florida. I recommended putting them on the Sawgrass Expressway first.” Next stop? The Florida Department of Transportation.

“Our team used a working sign to demonstrate this technology to FDOT,” said Gary. “When we gave the presentation one of the members said, ‘Gary - can you do me a favor? Could you shut that off? The LED is so bright, I can barely see!’”

That eye catching comment confirmed what Gary had wanted. “This vivid signage CAN get people’s attention,” he said.

SEEING the Impact:

One year after Marisa and Kaitlyn were killed, LED-Enhanced Wrong Way Blinker Signs are installed on the Sawgrass Expressway. According to Marisa’s Way, since then, 41 out of 42 cars turned around because the drivers realized they were going the wrong way. “Our mission is to save as many lives as possible, said Christine. “We do this for all people in honor of our angels Marisa and Kaitlyn. May they never be forgotten.”

Through the support of community members, organizations and companies like State Farm® – Marisa’s Way continues to educate people young and old about the importance of safe driving. “We speak from the heart,” said Christine. “We discuss the frequency of wrong way crashes, explain why you never drink and drive, and demonstrate how the safety sign technology is used on roads and highways.”

"We're not done yet," said Gary. “Our hope is to expand this program nationwide. With community support and awareness, Marisa’s Way will continue saving lives. If everyone makes safe driving decisions – the magnitude of this mission will multiply.”

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Dedication

The department responds to calls nearly every day. Birthdays, anniversaries and vacations have all been missed, but those celebrating understand. “It takes dedication,” Rosewood Heights Fire Chief Tim Bunt says of his team. “Regardless if it has been a hard day in the factory, or if they are at a family event, they’ll answer the call.”

Chief Bunt has been on the force for three decades. When a volunteer joins, he makes it a family affair. Chief Bunt discusses their commitment with the husbands, wives and children of those signing up. They complete a minimum of 50 hours of initial training. Annual training requirements help firefighters serve a lifetime. The volunteers range from age 19 to the chief’s own 89-year-old father. They all understand the sacrifice.

Assistance after the Emergency

The firefighters and their chief are well known in this small southern Illinois town. It’s not necessarily because of the volume of calls, but rather for their commitment to the community.

It doesn't end with the call response. The firefighters revisit the families who have called on them for help. They've moved furniture, supplied food, or simply stopped in to say hello.

“It’s something we’ve always done,” Chief Bunt says of the extra effort. "It makes us feel better.”

Life Changing Calls Sometimes Come Full Circle

Whether a firefighter has served a day or decade, each can likely share a story that has changed someone’s life – maybe even their own. One of the most frightening calls of Chief Bunt’s career came across the radio almost two decades ago. It was an infant choking. Bunt says the adrenaline always kicks in with emergency call. However, when a child is involved, even more so. Bunt saved that child’s life. He vividly recalled those memories when a new recruit recently came to sign up as a volunteer. He was that baby Bunt had saved 18 years earlier.

Firefighter Dayna Hilton kneeled down so she could hear five-year-old Angelica’s story. With eyes as round as saucers, the little girl recalled waking up to thick smoke pouring into her bedroom from a fire that was quickly engulfing her home. Angelica pushed the covers off and dropped to the floor, crawling low – just like Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog taught her at school.

As she wiggled across the floor, the five-year-old ran right into her father’s legs. The man was stumbling through the house, disoriented by the smoke and dangerous fumes. Five-year-old Angelica did not panic. She urged her father to get down on the floor with her and to crawl like Sparkles. Together, side by side, they safely escaped…

Helping those who need it most

Angelica learned fire safety training from a woman named Dayna Hilton, a second generation firefighter and certified Public Life Safety Educator. Hilton is the Executive Director of the Keep Kids Fire Safe Foundation (KKFSF). She and her team of Dalmatian dogs (Molly, Tango and Sparkles) are recognized around the world as leading fire safety educators.

“Our message has been shared with more than one million children,” said Hilton. “For 15 years we’ve used innovative teaching and technology to share our safety message – and now, that includes Skype and social networking.”

Ten years ago, more than 50% of all child fire deaths occurred to those aged four and younger (usfa.fema.gov).

This tragic statistic distressed Hilton and inspired her to establish KKFSF, a non-profit dedicated to teaching fire safety to children. What makes the foundation distinctive is the use of Dalmatian dogs to help deliver fire safety messages to students.

“From the beginning, my primary goal was to reduce fire deaths and injuries among those most at risk -- children,” Hilton said. “Children are attracted to dogs, and using Sparkles, Tango, and Molly as part of our presentation helps them remember what they have learned.”

Hilton calls this attraction, “the power of the paw.” In other words, the dogs’ furry, friendly demeanor keeps children engaged, which in turn, helps them absorb the information they’ve been given.

Innovative Fire Safety Programming

Molly the Fire Safety Dog’s Skype program, Learning about Fire Safety is Fun enables children to learn basic fire safety knowledge. The interactive 30-minute program is free to schools and other organizations throughout the world thanks to a grant from State Farm. The program features the Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog activity book, a safety demonstration by one of the Fire Safety Dogs that teaches skills such as crawling low under smoke, and other activities to engage the students.

According to Hilton, if you were to add the virtual miles the Fire Safety Dogs have traveled, it would equal the distance to the moon and back.

Lives Impacted Forever

Thanks to the fire safety training from Firefighter Dayna and Sparkles, Angelica is now a teenager. When fire broke out at her home on that fateful night…she and her family made it out just in time.

Firefighters on scene reported as soon as the two were whisked away to safety, the home “flashed over” – a term used to describe a home totally engulfed in flames.

These success stories continue to drive Hilton forward. To date, she is aware of eight children and four adults whose lives have been saved because of the Keep Kids Fire Safe Foundation efforts.

“Our vision is to make the world a safer place, one fire safety presentation at a time,” Hilton says.

And that is worth it all.

Skype with Molly for free!

Thanks to a grant from State Farm, schools and organizations can Skype with Firefighter Dayna and Molly the Fire Safety Dog at no cost. To learn more about this exciting opportunity, click HERE.

To learn more about the work of Molly the Fire Safety Dog and the Keep Kids Fire Safe Foundation, click HERE. Participating schools and organizations receive links to a free, downloadable copy of the Molly’s Fire Safety Skype Program Coloring eBook and bonus materials.

When duty calls, they respond. When faced with danger, they act. When emergency strikes, they come running.

And they always arrive…on four legs.

They’re working dogs. From police, to military, to search and rescue – their mission is to serve and protect others. While the situations and responsibilities differ, each pooch has the same purpose: Help those in need.

But what happens when these courageous canines need help? Tracy Spader of the K9 Defender Fund found an answer.

“I started the K9 Defender Fund in 2013 out of admiration and respect for the work done by military, police, search/rescue and fire dogs,” said Spader. “These K9’s and their handlers put their lives on the line each day and need to be protected if something goes wrong.”

As the mother of an Air Force Captain, Spader has a deep passion for working dog teams. She’s even opened her home to two military dogs, Buddy and Jig. “It’s a privilege to support the K9’s who work tirelessly to protect us,” said Spader. “No matter the circumstances, no matter the injuries, they’re determined to get up every day and do it again.”

A Kit Fit for a K9

That’s why, four years ago, Spader created the Buddy Bag. With the help of two veterinarians (one of whom spent time with the military), the bag contains supplies specially selected to meet the needs of injured animals.

What’s the cost for a first responder who wants to buy a bag?

Zero dollars.

“Many departments like police and military have experienced budget setbacks. So, the organization donates Buddy Bags to working dog teams in need,” said Spader. “When we provide the bags, I require every handler to give me a verbal ‘YES.’ That means they will work with their veterinarian so they know how to properly use the items found in the Buddy Bag.”

To date, more than 600 Buddy Bags have been donated to first responders in 43 states and areas where the US military is active. While Spader hasn’t heard from every department – she knows the bags are making a difference.

“In Kentucky, an officer and his K9 partner were assisting with an arrest. While stopping the suspect, the dog was injured. Luckily the officer had a Buddy Bag and was able to give aid to his partner at the scene. The dog has made a full recovery and is now back to work. Since that incident, the police department is committed to promoting the use of Buddy Bags,” said Spader.

State Farm is a financial supporter of Buddy Bag program and its commitment to assist emergency personnel. At a recent State Farm Arson Dog training, teams not only detected the presence of accelerants like lighter fluid and gasoline at fire scenes, they also learned how to use the Buddy Bags.

“Many animals in this line of work risk being burned through the course of an explosion, fire or accident,” said Spader. “Rescuers are taught how to administer oxygen, how to perform first-aid for injuries, administer lifesaving drugs and how to use other Buddy Bag supplies.”

So what’s next for Buddy Bags?

“We’re staying busy,” said Spader. “We want to keep supporting K9 units by providing adequate supplies. We’re continuing to fundraise and educate. After all, I’ve seen the difference these furry spirits can make in a person’s life. We need to ensure while keeping others safe, they stay safe.”

To learn more about the K9 Defender Fund or to donate, click here.

“Without a doubt, my fiancé Al and I knew Daisy needed to be our ring bearer,” said Erba. “She was the first dog Al and I had together. By caring for Daisy, we learned a lot about ourselves. She holds a special spot in our hearts."

But Daisy isn’t your ordinary pooch. Today, she fights crime in New York as a State Farm Arson Dog.

"Her ability to investigate and identify possible causes of fire is critical,” said her partner, Detective John Peters. “For example, Daisy discovered accelerant at a scene initially ruled an accidental death. The case became a homicide.”

So how did this loveable Labrador become a crime fighting K-9 and a ring bearer on Erba’s big day?

The journey began in 2011.

“When I was a college sophomore, I started volunteering with the organization Paws With A Cause,” said Erba. It trains dogs to help people with special needs.” An animal science major at Michigan State University, Erba says no one questioned her decision to care for a puppy. Or even bring it with her to class. But her biggest support system?

Erba’s then-boyfriend Al Heritier. "He was really cool with it. We raised her as a team," Erba smiled. That responsibility brought us closer together." As Daisy grew, her path to becoming    a disability assistance dog took a new turn.

"She displayed a different set of personality traits," said Erba. "Those qualities included her energy and innate sense of curiosity - which made her well suited to be a State Farm Arson Dog instead."

A New Beginning

Daisy and Maddy parted ways in 2012...but their relationship did not end there. “Al and I keep touch with Detective Peters and Daisy,” she said. “In fact, when we were vacationing in New York, we got together with them. It was a great experience.”

While raising Daisy, Maddy also created a Facebook page to chronicle their adventures. After Daisy joined forces with Detective Peters, he chose to keep it going. Titled, Daisy the Arson Detection Dog, the page shares fun and informative updates about their investigative work.

So, when Maddy and Al chose to wed on May 27, 2017 – they knew Daisy needed to be part of their big day. As an arson dog who serves and protects her city…it was only fitting she should serve and protect their rings. (Click here to watch Daisy walk down the aisle - People.com).

“She was there at the start of our relationship. Having her in our wedding signified the next chapter,” said Erba. “It shows how far Al and I have come and the bright future that lies ahead…not just for us, but for Daisy too.”

Renowned dog trainer, Victoria Stilwell, spent the past several years embedded with the Gwinnett County (GA) Sheriff Department K-9 Unit. Her work resulted in the Guardians of the Night series. It brings viewers into the real lives of police K-9 teams. A new episode airs every Tuesday (Feb. 21-April 11) on Victoria’s Facebook page and her YouTube Channel.

Working dogs help law enforcement search for and apprehend criminals. They also detect guns and explosives; locate drugs, and find evidence used in criminal investigations. Guardians of the Night follows the team of sheriff’s deputies and their two German Shepherds. They track wanted criminals and try to balance family life. The series breaks the emotional wall law enforcement often shows. It shares the officers' sense of humor and the raw emotion following the loss of a canine partner.

“I was fortunate Sergeant Paul Corso and Deputy Sheriff Jason Cotton allowed me to film with them,” says Stilwell. “You can’t understand what these amazing dogs and their handlers go through without living in their world. I spent four years filming the ultimate ride-along!”

For Stilwell, filming the series was a passion project. It shows humane training techniques to be effective with high-drive working dogs, like police canines.

“I have always been an advocate for positive training – teaching without the use of any techniques or equipment the dog finds intimidating or causes pain or fear,” says Stilwell. “While the companion dog world is embracing more humane training techniques, the working dog world is far behind.”

"People often tell me working dogs can’t be trained positively. That they need a heavier hand because of their energy and drive," Stilwell says. "I successfully train many high-drive dogs in the companion dog world. So why is the working dog world so averse to using methods that are more humane? To answer this question, I set out to explore whether working dogs could be trained in a kinder way. There was no better dog to prove it with than the ‘Ferraris’ of the dog world – police dogs.”

State Farm has a long history of supporting first responders and working dogs. For a quarter of a century, State Farm has funded training of arson dog teams across North America through the State Farm Arson Dog Program. In 2014, State Farm worked with Stilwell to create a web series called Arson Dogs. It depicts the training of accelerant detection canine teams.

“My journey into the police dog world has opened up so many doors. Among them, working with the exceptional State Farm Arson Dog Training Program and seeing what it’s like to be in the world of law enforcement. During filming, we had unique perspective into the lives of these handlers and their dogs. Along with my colleague Alex Andes, we set out to tell their stories."

"Guardians of the Night shows one side of law enforcement. However, the series also shines a light on the courage and dedication of all first responders. To be able to tell their stories, with the support of State Farm, has been a true honor," Stilwell continues. "Through Guardians of the Night we are giving back. It is a thank you to all first responders for their dedication and service.”

Wife Brande works for State Farm Agent Ann Price in Duluth, GA. Her customer interactions help families find solutions that protect what’s important to them.

Husband Tommy is a Deputy with the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Department in the DUI, Drug, and Veteran’s Treatment Courts. He protects the public by helping people better themselves rather than re-offend. His job is not without risks and Brande recognizes that.

“When people are angry about being in jail they have nothing but time to think of ways to hurt him,” she said. “There have been a couple of instances where I wanted him to change jobs."

To help provide peace of mind to first responder families like the Maloys, State Farm teamed up with the home security company Canary to launch Protect the Protectors. The program donates Canary devices to first responders so they can watch activity in their homes through a smartphone.

“We want to acknowledge first responders for the work they do and dangers they face,” said John Carter, head of communication for Canary. “There’s a person behind the badge and they have families.”

Brande proudly joined 29 State Farm Agents at a September event where home monitoring devices were provided to Gwinnett County sheriff deputies.

“As the wife of a law enforcement officer, I have a heightened awareness of the high risks police face on the job. The donation of the Canary devices was gracious and falls in line with our (State Farm) focus on helping life go right.”

Tommy also praised the program.

“Being able to check my phone and see my home and family while I am at work is great,” he said. “The kids may not like it, but I do.”

Extending the Protection

During the very first Protect the Protectors event in December 2015, 400 home monitoring devices were donated to Allentown, PA first responders. Protect the Protectors has since donated more than 5,000 home monitoring devices to police and fire departments.

State Farm employee Josh Boyd volunteered to help distribute devices to more than 300 Irving, TX police officers. It was a special honor for Josh, his dad, Larry, served the citizens of Irving for 12 years as police chief before retiring in 2016.

“At one point my dad stopped being a police officer because my mom was too scared,” Josh said. “But he went back because that’s what he’s passionate about. Officers face risk every day and I am pleased the company I work for has chosen to appreciate them.”

Learn more

To learn more about a Canary special offer for State Farm customers, visit the State Farm Home Protection & Automation website. Homeowners and renters may qualify for the Local Burglar Alarm discount level under the State Farm Home Alert Protection Discount. No documentation of installation is required. Availability and terms of discounts vary by state. Contact a State Farm agent for details.

Every second counts when first responders race to their destination. But what happens when they arrive at the scene and find someone trapped inside tons of snarled steel? How do they get the people out safely? Extrication.

Often, local fire departments and rescue squads have limited budgets. This means limited opportunities to receive vitally important, hands-on extrication training. State Farm is here to help first responders learn the intricacies of extrication from coast to coast.

Salvage Value in Virginia

In collaboration with the National Auto Body Council (NABC) and Holmatro, State Farm helps provide free extrication training for first responders. This is through NABC’s First Responders Emergency Extrication (FREE) program. The insurance company also provides salvage donations for use at training events. This no-cost training is a rare opportunity for hands-on practice on newer vehicles equipped with sophisticated new materials and technologies.

Two training events took place at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Vehicle Research Center in Ruckersville Virginia. First responders were first trained to cut and extricate passengers properly and safely. This was done in vehicles equipped with new technology. The new technology included high strength steels, sophisticated electronics and multiple airbags. This training is vital to protect not only the lives of crash victims, but also the lives of first responders.

“It’s impossible to measure the true impact when State Farm and our industry participate in programs like FREE. It is a very real way we are able to show our true commitment to building safer, stronger, and better educated communities,” shared Elizabeth Clark, a NABC Executive Board member and State Farm leader.

Crunch Time on the West Coast

Crunch Time is a two day extrication training class every September in Gig Harbor, WA. The training program enhances first responders’ skills at emergencies. This includes events such as vehicle collisions, machinery entanglements, parking garage or bridge collapses, and natural disasters.

Participants rotate through 12 different scenarios. They include ones such as school bus extrication, car vs. semi-truck, and vehicles which have plunged into an irrigation canal. Besides patient extrication, participants experience heavy lift scenarios, learn proper use and handling of hydraulic tools, and stabilization techniques.

Working around air bags, cutting through different metal alloys, and computerized panels found in hybrid vehicles pose different safety challenges than just 10 to 15 years ago. Many safety features drivers expect in their vehicles today add safety risks to rescuers.

That’s why fire departments and responder units from Alaska, California and states as far away as Florida send their personnel to the largest training of its kind – Crunch Time.

More than eighty cars were used in September 2016 training. State Farm is one of a handful of sponsors that provide annual grants to keep the program current with the most up-to-date equipment. Since 2003, State Farm has donated more than 85 vehicles to Crunch Time. This includes a hybrid vehicle that was cut open to display the internal components.

“Crunch Time helps students become safer in their rescue attempts. It also teaches them to be more effective at handling emergencies. And even better at handling traumatic events,” shared Lt. TJ Teeple, Technical Rescue Lieutenant at Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One and Incident Commander for Crunch Time.

Lt. Teeple sums up the benefits of extrication training when he says, “The best measurement of success for the program is when firefighters tell us this training has saved lives.”