The Erie County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services is pleased to announce that it has recently put an “Argo Avenger” Amphibious Response Vehicle into service as part of their fleet of search and rescue resources.

Through Homeland Security Initiatives, the department purchased an Avenger 8x8 amphibious XTV, which is powered by a 4-cycle OHV V-Twin, liquid cooled Kohler gasoline engine.

It has a load capacity of up to 1,110 lb. on land or 960 lb. on water, can transport six (6) passengers on land, and four (4) passengers on water. It features a towing capacity of 1,800 lb.

The Argo Avenger joins the county’s fleet of four ATVs-All-Terrain Vehicles with rescue trailers, one Polaris Ranger-model two-person UTV-Utility Task Vehicle and two UAVs-Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.

These regional assets are available to respond to any emergency or situation throughout the county and beyond at the request of a local incident commander or public safety agency by contacting MERS Control at 716-898-3696 or via the Countywide Fire frequency (CW). The Argo will be deployed with an ATV Safety Institute certified operator when a response is requested.

In addition to utilization of these assets, Erie County DHSES has certified trainers who can teach ATV/UTV Rider Safety to members of your department through the ATV Safety Institute. Contact Jerry Whittington at gerard.whittington@erie.gov or 716-858-4799 to schedule training.

For more information about the Erie County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services and its resources and capabilities, visit: www2.erie.gov/EmergencyServices.