Applications for Free Ranger Utility Vehicles Available

U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company (USSTC) is now accepting applications for Polaris Ranger 6x6 utility vehicles to be awarded in 2006 through its Operation Ranger donation program to assist America’s emergency first responders.

U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company (USSTC) is now accepting applications for Polaris Ranger 6x6 utility vehicles to be awarded in 2006 through its Operation Ranger donation program to assist America’s emergency first responders.

The company provided nearly 70 Rangers to fire-rescue, police, emergency medical services, emergency management, and wildlife law enforcement organizations in 2005 and has awarded nearly 200 off-road vehicles nationwide since late 2002.

In response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Operation Ranger provided 12 vehicles on an expedited basis to fire, emergency management, and police organizations in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Texas.

Applications and supporting materials will be accepted until Jan. 6, 2006. While the final funding level has not yet been determined, the company hopes to award at least 60 vehicles throughout 2006.

Operation Ranger will review applications from the following types of emergency organizations: Fire-Rescue (volunteer and career), Police/Sheriff (municipal/county/state), EMS/Ambulance, Search & Rescue, Wildlife Conservation & Law Enforcement, Park/Forest Ranger, Emergency Management (municipal/county/regional).

Vehicles are awarded through a competitive application process overseen by a review committee.

For more information on the program and how to apply visit http://www.ussmokeless.com/operation_ranger.cfm.

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