New Gator ATV: On the driver’s side, firefighters can access hoses and pumps, as well as water and foam tanks.
HANCEVILLE – After several months of anticipation, the Hanceville Fire Department (HFD) unveiled its newest piece of firefighting equipment recently: a modified four-seat John Deere Gator ATV outfitted for deep woods firefighting and rescue operations. Assistant Fire Chief Bart Absher was on hand at the City’s last council meeting to show it off to members and guests.
The vehicle can seat four emergency responders, and has a rack on the back to hold an injury victim in a rescue basket. The basket can be pulled into the passenger compartment over the passenger side rear seat, so an EMT on the driver’s rear can attend to the victim while remaining safely belted into the seat.
The Gator is also equipped as a stand-alone firefighting platform, with onboard tanks holding 85 gallons of water and 2.5 gallons of fire suppression foam. Atop the water tank sits a hose reel and pump capable of moving 74 gallons of water per minute. When the tank runs out, a valve on the pump allows an extra onboard hose to draw water directly from ponds or creeks.
LED lights on the sides, and light bars on front and back, switch from red flashers to bright white flood lights with the push of a button. The Gator is also equipped with a radio and siren. As it has an open compartment, all equipment including instruments, lights and electronics is water-resistant.
Absher said, “It’s been a long process, all the way back into the fall; but with the droughts we had and tremendous amount of wildfires we ran, not only here locally but throughout the county, we were able to secure a grant through the Alabama Forestry Service and through the Cullman County CCCDC (Cullman County Community Development Commission). We were able to secure approximately $15,000 worth of grant money towards this firefighting apparatus, and the council helped with some of the purchase and some of the extra equipment that was needed for it, to get it up and in service. As of tonight, it will be in service.”
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