THIBODAUX — Thanks to a new off-road vehicle made possible with grant money, the Chackbay Volunteer Fire Department will be able to respond quicker to emergencies in wooded areas and after hurricanes, officials said.

The department’s new six-wheel drive Polaris Ranger will allow responders to go over downed trees and other obstacles, when the department responds to dirtbike and four-wheeler wrecks in the woods, Chackbay rescue chief Josh Falgoust said. In addition, it will hold a small pumper to put out grass fires and a stretcher.

Chackbay’s department was one of 70 volunteer units across the country this year to receive the all-terrain vehicle through the U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company’s Operation Ranger program, company spokesman Bill Phelps said.

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Source: http://www.houmatoday.com/article/20091130/HURBLOG/911309935?Title=Off-road-vehicle-expected-to-help-local-fire-department

About Operation Ranger:

U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company actively embraces its commitment to be a responsible corporate citizen and we are proud of our record of community service.

One of our programs is the Operation Ranger program. Founded in 2002, this program awards rugged, off-road utility vehicles to our nation’s emergency responders. To date, more than 400 vehicles have been awarded across all 50 states.

The Operation Ranger program exists both to recognize the service of our nation’s emergency responders and to provide a versatile, practical vehicle that will enhance emergency response capability at the community level. These first responders are critical links in providing humanitarian aid in times of crisis. We gratefully acknowledge the assistance of Polaris Industries, the National Volunteer Fire Council and the many vehicle recipient agencies that have helped us shape this program.