Beech Grove VFD purchased a new apparatus purchased by anonymous donors

By Beech Grove Volunteer Fire Department Chief James Gunter

Last night, Beech Grove Volunteer Fire Department trained on our newest apparatus to be put in service, a Polaris XP1000 UTV and an all aluminum tilt trailer to transport it.

The equipment was purchased with approximately $50,000 of donated funds from two Beech Grove area philanthropic families. Both families felt they needed to do something following the horrendous 2023 summer fire season, and the purchase of this UTV and transport trailer is what they chose.

We’ve elected to not to reveal their identity at this time, and will do so at a time of their choosing.

BGVFD continues to be blessed beyond belief. This new equipment will be put into service immediately. This mission critical equipment now gives us unprecedented capabilities with ground cover/vegetation fires, allowing for remote access that traditional fire apparatus will not reach. The UTV carries 70 gallons of water, 5 gallons of foam, and has a gasoline powered pump capable of producing a water or water/foam solution of 1,800 psi at a maximum 8 gpm from a special high pressure nozzle.

In addition, we now have an off road capability for transporting injured patients from limited access areas, without having to physically carry them out. The break apart litter is easily transported in two pieces, assembled at the patient, and then loaded onto the UTV skid.

This equipment has been placed into service and is available for use in our response area, as well as all of Jasper County Emergency Services District # 4 and the region.

A special thank you to the generous donors from the members of BGVFD.