June 16, 2025 3:20 a.m.

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management has announced the delivery of advanced water rescue equipment to two Oregon communities as part of the State Preparedness and Incident Response Equipment grant program.

An OEM release said Central Douglas Fire & Rescue and the City of Grants Pass have each received an Emergency Integrated Lifesaving Lanyard – known as E.M.I.L.Y – 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 to a person in distress, making them a vital tool for rapid water rescue.

CDF&R Fire Chief Rob Bullock said the district is thankful to have been a recipient of E.M.I.L.Y. Bullock said, “We quickly realized the benefits and life-saving ability this will bring to our response area, ultimately aiding in high success for survivability to the people that call for our aid”. Bullock said, “Deployment is quick, it’s effective and practical, and was immediately implemented into our response package”.

The release said the equipment was received by both agencies in May. These cutting-edge tools represent the state’s commitment to enhancing local emergency response capabilities through SPIRE – a grant program designed to bolster disaster preparedness by equipping first responders with essential technology and tools.