December 5, 2025 – Mariposa, CA – Mariposa County Fire Department officials announce that they 
have received a $38,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to purchase new vehicle extrication equipment. Known as “combi-tools,” these specialized hydraulic devices are used by first responders to safely free crash victims trapped inside vehicles.
“We deeply appreciate this grant from the Office of Traffic Safety, which will help us equip our firefighters with advanced rescue tools and training,” said Chief Cole Periera of the Mariposa County Fire Department. “This investment strengthens our ability to save lives and serve the people of Mariposa County when every second counts.”
According to the National Fire Incident Reporting System, more than 55,000 crashes nationwide in 2022 required vehicle extrication. Timely post-crash care is critical to preventing serious injuries from becoming fatal. Every minute counts—reducing response times, delivering immediate treatment, and transporting patients quickly to the hospital can mean the difference between life and death.
Federal data show that 42% of people who died in car crashes were alive when first responders arrived. By equipping rescue vehicles throughout the county with new hydraulic “combi-tools,” the Mariposa County Fire Department will be better prepared to perform life-saving rescues and improve survival outcomes for crash victims.
Funding for this program was provided by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Source: Mariposa County Fire Department