Curtiss-Wright Donates
Power Hawk Rescue Systems to Help Save Lives
at The World Trade Center and The Pentagon

All of us here at Curtiss-Wright wish to extend our deepest sympathy to all those who are suffering as a result of the tragic events that occurred on September 11, 2001. In the face of calamity caused by a terrorist plot to weaken and demoralize our great Country, we are proud to be part of a Nation that did not succumb to such evil intentions but rather joined together in an unprecedented way to stand united and strong. Having a company history dating back to the famous aviation pioneers – Glenn H. Curtiss and Wilbur & Orville Wright, Curtiss-Wright salutes all those who have helped during this time of great need.

With the focus on saving lives, Curtiss-Wright contributed to the rescue efforts by quickly supplying and donating approximately $350,000 (30 sets) of Power Hawk® Rescue Systems and other accessory equipment to rescue teams at the World Trade Center and The Pentagon. To support these rescue teams, beginning on Day-2 Curtiss-Wright established support posts at Ground Zero and The Pentagon and manned them 24 hours a day to distribute equipment, recharge batteries, and service tools.

At Ground Zero, the Power Hawk was used as an integral part of the operations of FDNY Rescue 1, NYPD Emergency Services Unit, New York Task Force 1, Massachusetts Task Force 1, New York Regional Response Team 1, Missouri Task Force 1, Ohio Task Force 1, New Jersey Task Force 1, Pennsylvania Task Force 1, Florida Task Force 2, and California Task Force 8. At The Pentagon, Power Hawks were used extensively by Virginia Task Force 1 (Fairfax County), Virginia Task Force 2, Maryland Task Force 1, Tennessee Task Force 1, and Alexandria/ Arlington Urban Search and Rescue. The comments from these rescue teams were that the Power Hawk made a significant positive impact on their rescue and recovery operations. Because the portable gear-driven equipment is 12 volts DC powered and does not use hydraulic fluid or gasoline engines, it allowed them to successfully work in remote areas and in confined spaces, under debris, in subway tunnels, and inside buildings. The Power Hawk could safely get into places and perform jobs where their hydraulic tools could not go. In some cases hand tools were put aside and the Power Hawk was brought in to access voids by cutting and spreading grates, re-bar and steel beams, taking full advantage of the tool’s pivoting head. Since the tool makes very little noise when operating (no noise when the trigger switch is off) rescuers were better able to listen for victims and communicate with each other. Milwaukee cordless Sawzalls® and other tools were used often by rescuers, powered from Power Hawk battery packs to significantly increase tool run-time.

The tragic events of September 11 makes clear the need to adapt the use of rescue tools to improve the efficiency and probability of success in response to emergency situations never before imagined. Power Hawk Rescue Systems are on the job with fire departments, rescue squads, police departments, EMS and ambulance squads, government and military agencies, and industrial facilities throughout the United States and in many countries around the globe. The Power Hawk is used as an effective rescue tool for auto extrication, however, our customers continue to let us know that its versatility has allowed them to think and perform jobs beyond the limitations of conventional rescue tools. “Versatility” has been our promise from the beginning with the concept that “Rescue IS much more than auto extrication”.

During this time of shock, disbelief, and so much sadness, we are thankful that we were able to make a difference.