Archive 2009

Breaks Park receives Rhino through special program

Breaks, Virginia—Breaks Interstate Park received a new Yamaha Rhino last week through the company's Law Loan Program.

"The Rhino is going to be a great asset to the park," said Chief Ranger Brett Stallard. "It will be invaluable if a rescue situation arises. Response time is critical during rescue, and the Rhino will allow us to cover a lot of area that would normally have to be traveled by foot," he said.

In the past, if someone was injured or needed assistance somewhere in the park that’s not easily accessible by a full size vehicle, rescue efforts have been delayed until local fire departments and rescue units responded with off road equipment, noted Superintendent Matthew O’Quinn. “We’re lucky to have dedicated emergency personnel in this area with great response times, but they’re not located inside the park. Having a rhino means we can make a quick response time even quicker, getting at least one unit en route immediately,” he added.

Stallard said the Rhino will also allow rangers to patrol areas of the park such as Potter’s Flats that aren't accessible by full-size vehicles.

The Rhino offers several features that make it especially valuable for park use, Stallard noted. It offers side-by-side seating, allowing two officers to ride together if needed, or providing an area for a passenger in the event of a rescue. The back of the vehicle also has space to carry needed supplies, he added. The rhino on loan to the park is equipped with an enclosure and heater to make it useful during any season.

Yamaha began offering the Law Loan Program as a way to assist law enforcement and rescue agencies in getting off-road vehicles to first responders. Many times these agencies are limited financially, and the program allows them a six month period of free use. After that time has passed, their Government Order Program allows the agency to purchase the vehicle at a reduced price.

Photo: Breaks Interstate Park Chief Ranger Brett Stallard shown with a new Rhino on loan to the park through Yamaha’s Law Loan Program. After a six-month loan, the Rhino will be available to the park for purchase at a reduced rate.