The Gull Lake & District Fire Department is set to receive some significant upgrades to their equipment.

During Septemeber, the department will obtain upgrades to their hydraulic rescue tools, more commonly known as the jaws of life, and they will also undergo upgrades to both of their Dodge Power Rams in the fleet.

"I'm glad we're doing (these upgrades) because we're keeping up with the technology," said Gull Lake & District Fire Cheif Bentley Gibson. "It makes you appreciate the (fire) board and appreciate our community for doing that. For them to understand what is happening is a key thing."

The upgrades were approved during the Gull Lake Fire Board's semi-annual meeting on June 23 at a cost of $27,785, after the eight board members were able to witness a live demonstration of the hydraulic rescue tool in action.

"They were able to see what they were buying and that's key because they were able to feel part of it," he said. "Then you (as a fire crew) have great confidence of going out there to do your task because you've got great support behind you."

The fire departments current hydraulic rescue tool was upgraded in 2000 and was originally purchased in 1986.

"Our old tools aren't lost, they're still going to be useful, but they're getting modernized with today's technology," Gibson said. "I think that's a real asset because in our fire department we can run more than one tool at a time. We can actually run two tools at a time.

Gibson noted that most of the calls they receive are for motor vehicle collisions, making the tool one of the most important in the fire hall.