When he was 22 years old, the now 61-year old Paul Egan was in a late-night solo car crash on his way home from a party in New Jersey. Egan was trapped in the car, breaking his right thigh bone, shattering his kneecap, breaking his right wrist and nose on the steering wheel, and some dashboard shrapnel puncturing his esophagus. The first team of responders did not own a jaws of life and needed to contact a neighboring town to extricate Egan from the vehicle. Egan spent the next six weeks in traction at the hospital.

After he was released, Egan’s father advised him that it was customary to give a donation to the rescue squad in appreciation of its service and efforts. He continued by stating he thought a nice and appropriate gesture would be to purchase the jaws of life to the first team of responders. Like many young people of the time, he didn’t take his father’s advice.

As many know Egan is active in the community as The Bike Guy as well as with the Valley Shore YMCA Triathlon Club. It was through the YMCA that Egan and his wife, Liz, met Colleen Alexander of Madison, who shared a relay leg in their first Cedar Lake Summer Tri-Series Event.

Alexander is the author of the book Gratitude in Motion that documented the trauma she experienced when she was run over by a truck while bike riding. The inspirational story of her journey through physical recovery and spiritual healing is part of the celebrated motivational speaker series she conducts throughout the country.

Reading Alexander’s book moved Paul Egan to action.

Reminded of his own trauma and grateful to the first responders who saved his life, Egan decided it was time to take his father’s advice and give back. Discovering that the town of Clinton did not own a jaws of life, Egan made contact with Clinton Fire Chief Brian Manware and discussed the possibility of a donation.

“It took a few months for the Fire Department to figure out exactly which model would best meet their needs,” said Egan. “But, happily, they picked one they liked and it will be an asset for the Clinton community.

“I am proud to be able to give back to Clinton,” Egan continued. “I am delighted to be able to honor our town’s first responders and make them better equipped to help our community. First responders take risks and save lives all the time. Like Colleen Alexander says, they are the real heroes.”

Manware said there are 75 active volunteers in Clinton and about 45 to 50 will be trained to use the new equipment.

“The new jaws will move us into having cutting-edge technology, no pun intended, with our rescue equipment,” he said. “Every 8 to 10 years we need to update our equipment to deal with the challenges in new car construction.”