The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) announced the delivery of advanced water rescue equipment to two Oregon communities as part of the State Preparedness and Incident Response Equipment (SPIRE) grant program. The City of Grants Pass Fire Rescue and Douglas County Fire District No. 2 have each received an Emergency Integrated Lifesaving Lanyard (E.M.I.L.Y.) โ a swift water rescue device designed to support life-saving efforts in dangerous water conditions. These compact, remote-controlled, battery-powered devices can travel through swift current to bring a flotation device directly to a person in distress, making them a vital tool for rapid water rescue.
โWe are excited to have received our Emergency Integrated Lifesaving Lanyard (E.M.I.L.Y.) devices through the SPIRE grant program,โ said Joseph Hyatt of Grants Pass Fire Rescue. โThis device will provide rescuers with a much-needed tool to mitigate water rescue incidents safely and successfully.โ Douglas County Fire District No. 2 merged with the Winston-Dillard Fire District in mid-2024 to form Central Douglas County Fire & Rescue Authority. Officials with the agency also recognized the immediate value of the device.
