County Red Cross sports new vehicle

The Smith County Chapter of the American Red Cross is a proud recipient of a brand new 2007 Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV).

Ford manufactured just 21 of these emergency vehicles this year.

These ERVs are strategically positioned throughout the nation, such as in Maine, Washington State, and Tyler to respond to National emergencies.

ERVs are a crucial component of large scale disasters, organizers said.

They are used to deliver meals in hard to reach remote areas, canteen to first responders, distribute water, clean up kits, and comfort items.

The new ERVs are equipped with an E450 Turbo Diesel engine, a satellite tracking system, Public Address system, and easier driving features such as power steering and brakes, unlike the used 1990 ERV the chapter received in 2005.

While the organization has used the 2005 model for local response, organizaer said they cannot deploy this vehicle across the nation.

The group is now in need of ERV drivers.

Retirees are perfect candidates to train as ERV drivers, because of their flexible schedules and passion to serve, members said.

When an episodic crisis occurs, the National Red Cross will deploy the ERVs.

Lisa Hoover, emergency services director, will call ERV teams to see who is available to drive the vehicle to the disaster and help with one of the essential tasks described above.