For the last several months, members of the Indian Lake Fire Department have been hard at work preparing the latest addition to their fleet for duty.

Last fall, the department purchased a 2011 Polaris Ranger from Benton Harbor’s Harbor Sports Cycle for a discounted price. Since then, members have poured hundreds of hours into customizing the six-wheeler in order to have it fit the numerous public safety functions the volunteer fire department provides.

Among those improvements were the installation of high-powered LED lights and sirens, public announcement speaker system and mounts for fire fighting and medical equipment.

Indian Lake Fire Chief Bryan Huggins said the machine — which is expected to be finished and ready for deployment later this month — will primarily be used for emergency services at events, where it can more easily navigate through crowds compared to standard fire engines or pickup trucks.

In total, the department has poured about $16,000 into the vehicle and another $5,000 into a trailer to transport it — a hefty price tag for any fire station, let alone one staffed by part-time volunteers.

Thankfully, members of the community stepped up to help with the project, including the Pokagon Fund, which donated $3,500 to the department. True’s Towing also installed part of the equipment free of charge. Other companies also provided discounts to the department for work.

We are heartened to see citizens once again step up to help out the efforts of their local volunteer fire stations.

As we mentioned earlier, stations such as Indian Lake and Sister Lakes, as well as many township fire departments, are staffed solely by brave men and women who selflessly give of their time to serve their neighbors.

Not only do departments like Indian Lake combat fire, but they also provide search and rescue for people who become lost on the lakes, extract people from vehicles during accidents and help during community events.

Volunteer firefighters serve non-human residents of the community as well. Recently, firefighters with the Sister Lakes department responded to a call that a deer was stranded on one of the lakes, and helped coax the animal back to the shore where it scurried to safety.

What these departments lack in resources they make up for in heart, which is why it is crucial citizens do everything they can to support and enhance their efforts.

The next time your area department hosts a pancake breakfast or cookout to raise some money, consider attending and making a donation.

After all, you never know when you might be in need of its services.

Opinions expressed are those of the editorial board consisting of General Manager Ambrosia Neldon and community editors Ted Yoakum and Scott Novak.