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Select Board approves acceptance of surplus military UTV for Brentwood fire services
Summary
Deputy Fire Chief told the Select Board the department has been approved to receive a six-wheel John Deere Gator through a federal-to-state equipment transfer program; the board approved the town picking up and accepting the vehicle, which must be decaled and insured and is otherwise free to the town.
The Select Board authorized Brentwood’s fire department to retrieve and accept a surplus military John Deere Gator UTV offered through a federal-to-state surplus equipment program, with the town responsible for redecoration, maintenance and insurance.
Deputy Fire Chief Roy told the board the UTV is available in Pennsylvania and is being transferred via the state’s FEP (Federal Excess Personal property) program. The vehicle is a heavy-duty, six-wheel John Deere Gator with an enclosed two-seat cab, a high payload and towing capacity, and is intended for trail access, patient transport and equipment movement.
The deputy chief said the state requires the town to paint or decal the vehicle within six months and to keep it insured and maintained; the state retains ownership on paper and expects the vehicle returned at no cost if the town no longer needs it. The vehicle needs minor work (new batteries and possibly a starter) but is offered to the town at no purchase price. The deputy estimated comparable new UTVs at $20,000–$30,000 depending on configuration.
Board members asked about insurance and liability; the deputy reported prior experience insuring similar converted vehicles without issue and said he planned to register the vehicle through the town per state requirements. The board voted by roll call to approve the pickup and acceptance and directed the deputy to complete required paperwork and arrange pickup within the program’s time window.
