Lyons now selling extrication equipment
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Jeff Lyons holds an accident victim extrication tool. He has just become a dealer for extrication equipment and started a new business, Genesis Rescue Systems. He sells cutting tools, a ram, stabilization blocks, jacks and air bags. His nephew Easton, 3, and Jeff's father Ancel check out the tool.
MEDINA – As a 15-year member of Shelby Volunteer Fire Company and operator of Lyons Collision and Towing, Jeff Lyons has seen the need for special extrication equipment.
Many times he has responded to accidents involving motor vehicles or heavy equipment, as a volunteer firefighter or on a towing call, when someone was trapped and special equipment was needed.
“Getting involved in the fire department and being a tow truck operator go hand in hand,” Lyons said.
As a result, he has started a new business, Genesis Rescue Systems, to provide a local source of extrication equipment.
This includes Genesis tools, such as cutters, stabilization devices, jacks and lift/air bags.
When the fire company sent Lyons and several other firefighters to Crash Course Village in Dayton, Ohio, Lyons took every course offered relating to extrication in MVAs and heavy equipment, he said. The course was sponsored by Howell Rescue Systems and owner Todd Howell was very helpful, Lyons said.
Lyons Collision was started in 1978 by Jeff’s dad, Ancel. He added the towing service a year later. At that time, he had the only flatbed in the county.
Jeff has been involved since 1985, when he would come to the shop after school and work in the body shop. He started working full-time at the business in December 1987. His sister Kim Patterson runs the office and Jeff Stockwell runs the body shop. Jeff’s great-niece Elexa Murphy also works in the office. Ancel is officially retired, but is still there every day, Jeff said.
The business has expanded several times over the years, having bought the former Al Nudd’s garage at Orient and East Center Street in 2010, which they converted into the office. In 2012, they bought Russo’s Granite building and now own the entire complex from East Center Street to the railroad.
The new business represents a considerable investment, but one Jeff believes is much needed and well worth it.
