EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio - New Jaws of Life equipment is now in the toolbox of the East Liverpool Fire Department thanks to a grant from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.

Firefighters spent the day training Monday on the brand-new technology created by the company Genesis Rescue Systems. 

If citizens are in a car crash and get stuck inside, first responders use extrication tools to save them, but the city said their previous tools were outdated. 

"A town like East Liverpool funds aren't as strong as they used to be," Matt Liggett,  Firehouse Subs Franchise Business Consultant said, "The equipment here is 40 years old, and it's nice to have new equipment that's lighter stronger and more reliable."

Because of the grant, the fire department has new tools worth $40-thousand dollars.

The new battery-operated technology is lighter, safer and allows them to operate two life-saving tools at once.

"Whereas the older system, you could only operate one tool off the power unit," East Liverpool Fire Chief William Jones said, "So this way, they can operate what is called the 'spreader' and the 'cutters' at the same time on different areas of the vehicles."

First responders will be in a better position to save citizens if they are pinned inside a car or have to save a pet stuck inside a home, among other emergency situations.

"Houses... building collapses... so they're a very versatile tool," Jones said. 

Proceeds from purchases made at Firehouse Subs restaurants provided the funding for this grant award.

The foundation has granted over $3.4 million to first responder organizations across Ohio.