IDAHO CITY, Idaho – 4 Lo Idaho Off-Road, Casey’s Smile, the Horseshoe Bend Chamber of Commerce and a number of different companies have joined forces to provide Boise County Search and Rescue with a new tool.
A construction crew took a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Loredo and converted it into an off-road vehicle by installing a new engine, raising the ride height by ten centimeters, and fitting new tires.
“For better traction on rocks on the dangerous roads of Boise County,” said Rowdy Berry of 4 Lo Idaho Off-Road. “Inside, we installed our high beam switch for all the new lighting, which is important for off-road missions.”
Rowdy also built a special inlet to make it easier to cross rivers. The Cherokee has a first aid kit and a lithium battery in the back for power. Rowdy actually had a Cherokee as an off-road vehicle when he worked as a deputy sheriff in Washington County.
“This is honestly a lot nicer than what I had, but I was honored and proud to be part of the construction team that helped bring it to this level,” Rowdy said.
On Saturday, that vehicle was turned over to the Boise County Search and Rescue Team, which was formed two years ago and is made up of volunteers living in the area.
“This is a lifesaver,” said Greg Neubert, president of the BCSAR. “They’ve built a really capable vehicle and it doesn’t look bad either. They’ve really done a phenomenal job.”
Boise County Sheriff Scott Turner has been helping the BCSAR obtain equipment such as snowmobiles and ATVs because if the BCSAR can help rescue people, it means less work for the sheriff’s office, which is overburdened in this rural county.
“By allowing us to take their place in search and rescue operations, they have more time to answer calls and advocate for public safety,” Neubert said.
And now this new Jeep Cherokee has anchor points on the front and rear and also features a winch bumper with front receiver. This new tool will make things easier for BCSAR, as this volunteer organization has been using its own vehicles for towing.
“This will take a lot of work off our hands. Things like this make our lives easier,” Neubert said. “I can’t thank them enough. We are forever indebted to these guys and really appreciate what they did for us today.”
