Lenco Armored Vehicles, the nation’s leading manufacturer of tactical armored response and rescue vehicles for law enforcement, military and fire rescue agencies worldwide, has donated a Polaris Ranger crew cab—a utility terrain rescue vehicle (UTV) worth $20,000—to the Berkshire Mountain Search and Rescue Team (BMSAR).
“When we heard the volunteers at BMSAR were trying to raise money to purchase the UTV, we jumped at the chance to help,” said Lenny Light, Lenco Armored Vehicles’ vice president. “These volunteers are essential for search and rescue missions across the Berkshire region, which we are proud to call home. We are honored to help them secure equipment that will help in their efforts to save lives.”
BMSAR is one of only two volunteer search and rescue teams in Massachusetts that are attached to the Massachusetts State Police Special Emergency Response Team. BMSAR consists of dozens of volunteers with diverse backgrounds specially trained to be deployed in any situation to assist first responders with emergencies in rural and wooded areas. They are also Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) trained and can provide disaster assistance. Prior to the donation, BMSAR would have to go in and do rescues on foot or rely on borrowing a UTV from the Sherriff’s Department, which could delay rescue efforts.
“These volunteers regularly risk injury to themselves to search for and rescue others,” continued Light. “We hope the addition of this UTV will help the team to quickly, efficiently and safely assist in lifesaving efforts for years to come.”