The Epworth Fire Department received $4,882.50 from a 2009 Dubuque Racing Association Grant to purchase a Highway Stabilization Kit and accessories. The department worked with various vendors and tested different types of equipment before purchasing the Paratech Highway Stabilization Kit in September. The department recently conducted extrication training on the new equipment and they are now in service to be used on emergency calls. The struts can be used on any type of vehicle to provide stabilization in order to allow the paramedics to safely remove the victim. "The ability to be able to stabilize all types of crash scenes involving anything from a small car to large piece of farm machinery is important for the safety of the responders and the victims. No two extrication calls are the same and this new equipment will help us tremendously" stated Fire Chief Berger. The Mystique Casino and the Dubuque Racing Association were instrumental in providing the funding for the equipment which will greatly enhance our ability to respond to motor vehicle, farm or other rescue calls. To date the Dubuque Racing Association has provided over $113,000 to the Epworth Fire Department through its grant program. The grants have allowed the department to purchase equipment, expand services and enhance their response which may not have happened without the financial assistance from the DRA. The department relies on grants and fund raising events to supplement the operating budget of the department.