NEWS RELEASE

For emergencies involving collapsed buildings, crushed vehicles, or confined spaces, you can count on Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue’s (TVF&R) Technical Rescue Team being involved. Now, thanks to a unique partnership, you can also count on United Rentals, Inc., assisting as well.

Talks began with United Rentals earlier this year after District officials had to deny the Team’s budget request to upgrade tools and equipment. Committed to bolstering their cache of tools and equipment, the Team set their sights on finding a corporate partner who could provide additional tools and equipment 24-hours a day. It was quickly recognized that United Rentals was a natural partner due to their immense supply of tools and heavy equipment, 24-hour dispatching capability, and strong commitment to the local community.

The partnership is invaluable in that it allows the Technical Rescue Team access to equipment that is instrumental in a technical rescue situation, however, is too expensive for the District to purchase. In addition, United Rentals has agreed to provide the Team equipment for training purposes so members can hone their skills prior to an actual incident.

United Rentals recently brought over $50,000 worth of equipment to a 3-day technical rescue training exercise. Additionally, on September 19, 20, and 21, United Rentals will provide almost $500,000 worth of equipment for a live technical rescue training exercise. The exercise will take place at the vacated BMC building (17005 S.W. Cornell Road, Beaverton) from 9 am – 5 pm. Portions of the BMC building will be collapsed upon vehicles so team members can practice stabilizing a building and boring through concrete walls, in an effort to search for and extricate simulated patients. Media agencies wishing to attend the training exercise, should contact Karen Eubanks for optimum photo times. ###