Members of the Wauneta Volunteer Fire Department showcased their new life-saving equipment before this Monday’s regular monthly meeting. Firemen pictured above include, kneeling from left, Dan Rigel, Ryan Starnes and Tanner Bardsley. Standing from left, Brian O’Neil, Steve Noble, Jason Littrell, Matt Borchers, Bob Jones, Beau Yoder, Donnie Allen, Bob Goings, Michael Gardner, Tyson Bardsley, Shannon O’Neil, Chuck Vette and Dave Hamilton. Not pictured: Bill Bischoff, Bryan Einspahr, Dan Gardner, Jeff Maris, James McCrumb, Ryan McCrumb, Josh Sumner and Chase Yoder. (Josh Sumner | The Wauneta Breeze)

The fire department spent about $36,000 on new rescue tools in the last month using money raised from several sources, including: Donations from over the years at the Annual Firemen’s Ball, memorial contributions and a vast community fund-raising effort. The WVFD replaced its old rescue tools, sometimes known as Jaws of Life, which it had been using since the early 1980s. The firemen will benefit from using the new tools, which are more powerful, yet lighter — the new set operates at 10,500 psi, compared to 5,000 psi, and weighs about half as much of the old set. This will allow the firemen to respond faster, while not experiencing as much fatigue.