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Fairfax OKs $75,000 UTV for patrol and rescue on new Wall property
Summary
Council authorized purchase and outfitting of one utility terrain vehicle (UTV) and trailer for up to $75,000 from the vehicle replacement fund to improve access and emergency response on Fairfax’s 100+ acre Wall property and steep local open space.
The Fairfax Town Council on Dec. 3 authorized the town manager to purchase and outfit one police utility terrain vehicle (UTV) and trailer for up to $75,000, with funds drawn from the vehicle replacement fund, to improve patrol and emergency access on the newly acquired Wall property and other steep open-space locations.
Police Chief Rico Tabaranza explained the department’s need for a compact off‑road vehicle to reach saturated, muddy trails and steep hillsides where regular patrol cars and town fleet vehicles cannot operate safely. "This exact vehicle purpose is also proposed is also multi use and easy to maintain," the chief said, noting it can assist with storm response, searches for overdue hikers and transport of patients or detained persons to roadways where ambulances can stage.
Council members asked about mutual‑aid arrangements, grant opportunities and storage; staff said the vehicle will be housed at the town corporation yard and the department has discussed loan/storage arrangements with neighboring agencies when needed. Chief Tabaranza said insurance coverage through the town’s pool was confirmed and the chosen vehicle can be serviced locally. Council approved the purchase by roll-call vote.
What’s next: Police will procure the vehicle and outfit it for Fairfax PD use; staff said the department will track usage and response data to support any future grant requests or cost-share proposals with neighboring jurisdictions.
