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DICKINSON, N.Y. -- A few local fire companies went the extra mile to create a better chance of rescuing people from water accidents. Three fire companies along with two Fire Chiefs’ Associations donated 19 throwback rescue lines to the Broome County Sheriff's office.

The devices, which cost $50 apiece, contain a 75 foot line as well as a float to keep the line above water. The lines can be easily stored in patrol cars for use as a quick rescue tool when someone is in danger of drowning.

Windsor Fire Chief John McNulty says the idea is a result of past experiences and the goal is prevent future deaths on the water.

"We've had several in the recent history where the Sheriff’s department either gets there before or at the same time that we do. There's been numerous times that we just didn't have the ropes, where they weren't in the cars, they weren't in the chiefs vehicles who got there," said Chief McNulty.

Broome County Sheriff David Harder says that having this equipment in each of their patrol cars could be the difference between life and death for someone struggling to stay afloat after an accident on one of the county's waterways.