Shaffer Foundation Donation Helps Indian River Volunteer Fire Company Purchase Life-Saving Rescue Equipment

Georgetown, Delaware — August 2026 — The Shaffer Foundation of Delaware is proud to announce how its $14,000 donation to the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company is being put to work to help firefighters respond more effectively and save lives.

Indian River Volunteer Fire Company President Patrick Miller said the $14,000 donation is being used toward approximately $88,000 worth of new battery-operated Hurst - Jaws of Life rescue equipment that will be outfitted on the department’s fire truck, which is expected to arrive soon.

The new battery-powered rescue tools are lighter than traditional hydraulic equipment and do not require hydraulic hose systems to operate. This allows firefighters to deploy the equipment more quickly and provides greater flexibility when responding to emergencies.

During a recent demonstration, Dave Perrine, a volunteer firefighter with the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company, demonstrated how the new equipment operates and explained how it will assist firefighters during emergency situations.

The tools are especially valuable during motor vehicle crashes, where firefighters may need to quickly remove damaged portions of a vehicle to reach and rescue trapped occupants. The equipment can also be used during structure fires and other emergencies where firefighters need to gain access to buildings or areas in order to reach people who may be in danger.

“Having this equipment on our apparatus will be a tremendous asset to our firefighters and the community,” said Patrick Miller, President of the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company. “The lighter weight and battery operation make these tools much easier to deploy, and they will give our firefighters another important resource when responding to serious emergencies. We are extremely grateful to The Shaffer Foundation and everyone who supported the Rally.”

Kyle Shaffer, President of The Shaffer Foundation of Delaware, said seeing the donation turn into equipment that can directly impact emergency response is exactly why the Foundation works so hard to raise money for first responders. 

“It was incredible to see Dave demonstrate the equipment and actually see how it works,” said Shaffer. “When our community donates to the Rally for Our First Responders, this is exactly what we hope will happen. The money goes back into our first responder organizations and helps provide equipment that can make a real difference when firefighters are responding to someone’s worst day.”

 Shaffer added, “We are so grateful to Patrick, Dave, and all of the volunteers at the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company for everything they do for our community. We also want to thank every person, business, sponsor, volunteer, and donor who supported the Rally for Our First Responders. Without their generosity to our foundation, donations like this would not be possible.”

The Shaffer Foundation is committed to continuing its mission of honoring, supporting, and giving back to Delaware’s first responders. The Foundation hopes to continue expanding its fundraising efforts so that even more volunteer fire companies and first responder organizations throughout Delaware can receive the needed equipment and resources.

For more info on how you can donate, volunteer with the Indian River Fire Company visit their website at www.irfc.com

Additional information may be obtained by viewing - https://irvfc.com/gallery/detail/56575

Photo Captions

Photo 1: Dave Perrine, volunteer firefighter with the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company, with Patrick Miller, President of the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company.

Photo 2: Patrick Miller, President of the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company, and Kyle Shaffer, President of The Shaffer Foundation of Delaware.

About The Shaffer Foundation of Delaware

The Shaffer Foundation of Delaware, Inc. is dedicated to supporting Delaware’s first responders through fundraising, community education, scholarships, and programs that recognize the men and women who serve and protect our communities.