WI Fire Department Unveils New Utility Terrain Vehicle

RACINE, WI—As summer heats up, it’s possible more emergency calls could be made from places such as North Beach, the riverfront or a hiking trail. In the past, it was difficult for the Racine Fire Department to get to those locations quickly.

But on Thursday, the Fire Department will debut its newest emergency tool — a rescue utility terrain vehicle.

Racine Fire Lt. Mike DeGarmo said it took the department about two years to get the UTV, which is the first for the department.

“This UTV will improve our overall ability to respond to emergencies, specifically special rescue incidents that occur near waterways, on uneven or dense terrain and in densely crowed areas,” DeGarmo said. “It gives us the ability to access incidents in locations which our larger apparatus cannot.”

DeGarmo said the UTV will be housed at Station 1, 810 Eighth St., and will be made available to surrounding municipalities as needed. DeGarmo added that the department is working out the details as to how other municipalities can request the UTV.