The Jaws of Life in action, unknown location and date | Photo courtesy of the City of St. George
ST. GEORGE – A crowd of nearly 60 gathered at the old St. George airport Thursday to watch a Jaws of Life demonstration, plus displays from the City of St. George Fire and Police Departments.
Mayor Dan McArthur was in attendance to deliver an inspirational poem with a touch of humor. Then Jesse Thompson of Dealer Collision Center stepped up to the microphone to share the the story of the traffic accident McArthur and his wife were recently involved in. Though their new truck was totaled, they realized they had other options and would get back on the road soon. The owners of the other vehicle, however, were not so lucky.
On behalf of Dealer Collision Center, Ken Garff St. George Ford Lincoln and the Stephen Wade Automotive Group, Thompson donated a much-needed new car to the family. Each year, the repair shop donates a car to two or three needy families in the community. Those standing at the front of the crowd were close enough to see McArthur shed a tear or two.
The onlookers were treated to free sandwich vouchers from Dickey’s Barbecue Pit before gathering to watch the demonstration. The St. George Fire Department chopped up a demolition jeep in mere minutes and showed how the Jaws earned its name.
Both young and old members of the crowd also delighted in equipment displays from the city police and fire departments and Dixie Ambulance.
Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2012, all rights reserved.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dave Amodt grew up in St. George, Utah, loving anything to do with the outdoors. By day, you'll find him out repairing air conditioners and furnaces and in his free time, he loves photography, mountain biking, hiking, ATV-ing, astronomy, and rappelling. He loves meeting new people and getting to know about them and their stories. He's having fun working with St George News.com.