Milwaukee Police Department Office of Media and Communications
Aug 27 - Milwaukee Police Department squad cars will soon be equipped with special tools designed to quickly cut though car seatbelts thanks to the generous donation of a New York knife company.
The Ontario Knife Company (www.ontarioknife.com) of Franklinville, New York donated 100 seatbelt cutters that will be deployed in Milwaukee Police squad cars throughout the city. This donation came after Ontario Knife heard the story of the dramatic rescue of David Harper from a burning SUV on Milwaukee’s south side. Two off duty Milwaukee firefighters and an off duty Milwaukee Police lieutenant were assisted by numerous bystanders to free the boy who was trapped in his seat in the burning vehicle.
Officers arriving at vehicle crash scenes that may require immediate rescue of belted occupants will be able to use the seatbelt cutters. The cutter allows the officer to easily slice through the seatbelt, which will be most helpful in crashes involving young victims who cannot manipulate the seatbelt mechanism, as well as those who are unconscious or injured.
“Like many other tools available to a police officer, this is something we hope we never have to use,” said Milwaukee Police Chief Edward A. Flynn. “The fact that these seatbelt cutters will now be available to our officers will help save lives when someone needs to immediately get out of a car, but can’t do it on their own.”
Wisconsin law requires all drivers of motor vehicles, as well as all passengers over the age of four to wear safety belts. Passengers under the age of four must be restrained in an appropriate child safety restraint. Properly wearing seatbelts is proven to be the most effective way in increase you chances of not being injured in a traffic crash.
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