2008 Polaris 6 x 6 Ranger/Operation Ranger Grant

In the fall of 2006, Chief Hill applied for a National grant donation  program entitled "Operation Ranger" sponsored by the  U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Brand Inc.  The U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Brand Inc. donates approximately 70 units a year across the United States to Public Safety agencies based on a competitive grant application.  For the grant cycle in 2007, 70 units were awarded from over 2000 applicants across the country. 

On June 27, 2007, the Chief received an award letter from Dan Butler, President of the U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Brand Inc. indicating that this Department had been selected.  In the first part of September 2007, the Department received delivery of the unit from Spicer's Boat City in Houghton Lake, Mi.  Since the delivery, the Department has made the unit ready for use by the Fire/EMS Department by equipping same with a means to transport a Stokes basket and a "Paramedic" seat in the bed of the unit.  Future plans will include enclosing the cab area of the unit for more practical use in the cold winter months.     

A big thanks to the U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Brands Inc. for their consideration for our grant and their donation of the unit.    

Seen above as originally received by GTPD after donation by the U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Brand Inc.

 Seen above, Stage 2 of the Project complete with the addition of the removable patient carrier, seat, paint and decal job.                   

Seen above, Stage 3 and final phase of the Project with the addition of the all weather "Freedom Cab"

CONTRIBUTORS TO PROJECT RANGER

US SMOKELESS TOBACCO BRAND INC.

HIGGINS LAKE FOUNDATION

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

WADE FAMILY GENERAL FUND

SPICER'S BOAT CITY, HOUGHTON LAKE MI.

JIMS COLLISION, ROSCOMMON MI.

CSI EMERGENCY APPARATUS

GERRISH TOWNSHIP BOARD FOR THEIR SUPPORT