A 'game changing' tool

Gaining entry into a structure fire just became a little easier for the Lewiston Fire Department, thanks to a group of local high school students.

Students from Lewiston High School's machinery class constructed about 20 aluminum door wedges that can be used by firefighters to gain access to a fire at a time when every second counts.

The wedges are a "game changer" for the department, Capt. Nate Metcalf said.

"The tool is absolutely a wicked tool for us," he told a group of about 12 students. "We can't live without it."

On Thursday, reserve firefighters demonstrated how the wedge will help the department with the use of a forcible entry prop that resembled both an outward swinging door typical of commercial buildings and an inward swinging door found on homes.

As the pressure on the wedge forced the door open, reserve firefighter Chris Currie said the addition of the tool is invaluable.

"We could not have done that with a wooden wedge," he said. "What you guys built for us, we are going to use all the time."

Prior to the aluminum wedges, the fire department used a wooden wedge that would be hammered in between the door and the frame with a halligan bar, which is used to make forcible entry. The problem is the wooden wedges would break, splinter and were ultimately not as effective. But now, the fire department is better equipped with a tool that eliminates those problems.

Chris Jones, another reserve firefighter with the department, said the addition of the wedges is a "giant leap forward" for the first responders who fight searing flames and billowing smoke as they enter an engulfed structure.

"Having the right tools for the job is what can make or break you," he said.

LHS junior Cole Eldredge, 17, said he feels good that the project turned into something that can help both the fire department and the community.

"It's really cool knowing that what a few high school kids made is going to change the way they do stuff," he said.

Eldredge plans to attend Lewis-Clark State College to pursue a career as a machinist.

Fellow junior Ben Anderson, 16, said the project expanded his knowledge of the trade and "did something for a good purpose." He'd like to one day become a machinist or a mechanic.

Precision machining instructor Pat Schmidt said this is the first time the class partnered with the fire department.

Now, Metcalf said the fire department expects future collaboration with the high school.

"This is a collaborative group with an intense passion," he said. "I can't wait for future projects with them."

The students researched the wedges and made them resemble others that are on the market.

To show their appreciation on behalf of the 45 full-time firefighters and other staff, Metcalf presented the students with a $250 check.

The money will be funneled into the high school's machinist fund, which is used to provide scholarships to students who pursue the trade. This year, Schmidt said, two scholarships are planned. Typically the amount awarded to each student is between $1,000 and $1,500. It helps the students purchase the tools they need.

"These guys are the future of everything," Metcalf said, adding that the aluminum wedges allow the department to operate in a more efficient and effective way.

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Tomtas may be contacted at jtomtas@lmtribune.com or at (208) 848-2294.