EAST LANSING. The Michigan State Police (MSP) Underwater Recovery Unit (URU) will receive a six-wheel drive Polaris® Ranger that will provide its divers with efficient and timely access to lakes, rivers and forested areas during recovery operations and other missions.

With its ability to maneuver through extreme conditions, including ice and water up to 27 inches deep, the Polaris® Ranger will save crucial time during URU operations by providing transportation to remote dive sites in one trip. Currently, the URU relies on community volunteers with their own equipment for transportation to dive sites.

Created in 1957, the URU has 20 members who are trained and certified as divers and divemasters. They provide diving expertise in the areas of body recovery, evidence collection and recovery of stolen property. The URU also assists other local, state and federal departments including the U.S. Coast Guard and the Michigan National Guard. URU members hold full-time positions within MSP and respond to dive calls as needed.

The MSP Emergency Support (ES) Team will also use the Polaris® Ranger while providing tactical support during chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive incidents as, unlike other standard vehicles, the Polaris® Ranger can be easily decontaminated after leaving a hazardous area.

The MSP was awarded the vehicle through the U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company Polaris Ranger Donation Program.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Sergeant Larry Schloegl, Underwater Recovery Unit, (517) 336-6624

FOR A DIGITAL PHOTO OF THE VEHICLE:

Nicole Lisabeth, Public Affairs, (517) 336-6154

Read more press releases from the Michigan State Police.