Dighton Fire Department Purchases UTV with Over $23,000 in Donated Funds

DIGHTON – Chief Christopher Maguy is pleased to announce that the Dighton Fire Department recently purchased a new Kubota Utility Transport Vehicle (UTV) and skid unit after using over $23,000 in donations gifted by multiple associations and local businesses.

The funds were raised from a combination of private donors, as well as area businesses including BayCoast Bank, the Taunton Federal Credit Union and G. Lopes Construction.

“The Dighton Fire Department would also like to specifically recognize Jamie and Tom Medeiros and BayCoast Bank as the top donors,” Chief Maguy said. “We thank them for their extremely generous donations to this effort.” 

Additionally, funds were raised through the Dighton Fire Association Calendar Raffle and the Dighton Fire Association Oktoberfest fundraiser which was held last fall at the Berkely Beer Company in Taunton.

The purchase of the equipment comes at no cost to taxpayers and has been fully funded by donations raised by the Dighton Fire Association and the Dighton Fire Department Gift Account. 

The new UTV will be used for off-road rescues as well as for firefighting efforts. The UTV’s off-road capabilities allow for easier access to respond to emergencies on trails, bike paths and in heavily wooded areas. Utilizing the new UTV will also cut down on response times, as the vehicle can rescue injured parties and safely bring them to a nearby waiting ambulance.

A skid unit has also been outfitted on the UTV, which consists of a portable tank, pump and hose for difficult-to-access areas such as brush fires. 

“The UTV was a greatly needed piece of equipment for the department, especially due to Dighton’s many miles of trails which include gas lines, power lines and walking trails,” Chief Maguy said. “On behalf of the entire Dighton Fire Department, I would like to once again thank all of our generous donors for their support in helping us obtain this vital equipment.”

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