New UTV ready for use by Loyal first responders

The Loyal Fire Department’s new UTV was on display at the department’s Spring Fest held April 20. The machine, which can be used for off-road rescue or to respond to a grass fire, was put into service last month.

This Honda Pioneer 1000 cost approximately $31,000. The fire department and ambulance service split the cost of the vehicle, using money from their fundraising/donation accounts, so there was no cost to the City of Loyal. The vehicle has a 55-gallon water tank, which is the platform of the vehicle. It features all-season tracks, a 250-foot long distance hose and a short distance hose.

There are many instances where the UTV could be useful, said Ambulance Chief Dave Esselman, such as a missing person, a hunting accident, a farmer injured while chopping wood or any other situation that would require emergency responders to transverse rough terrain. The fire department has a trailer for the UTV, which it was put upon after the Spring Fest event so it was ready to roll.

“It’s one of those things that you hope you never have to use, but it’s good to have in the event you need it,” said Esselman. “If it can help save one life, it’s money well spent.”

Loyal Fire Chief Scott Radue (l) and Ambulance Chief Dave Esselman pose by the fire and ambulance’s new Honda Pioneer UTV.

There is room to lay a stretcher flat in the back and two seats on either side, so first responders can be doing compressions or otherwise treating the patient while the UTV is transporting them.