Ford will donate five Broncos ready for search and rescue duties

Ford has partnered with the National Association for Search and Rescue to provide five fully equipped Bronco trucks to teams in need. The program, called ‘Answer the Call’, aims to support crews helping those in need in hard-to-reach places.

A pair of built-up Broncos have already been confirmed for Kern County Fire & Rescue in California and Teton County Search & Rescue in Wyoming. Ford will now begin a nationwide submission process to find three other teams to put the trucks to work.

Ford CEO Jim Farley initiated this program after a trip to Utah. Farley saw firsthand how the Grand County Search & Rescue Team was able to put their own Bronco to good use in the rugged terrain around them.

The automaker is also not handing out a base model Broncos here. Each team will receive a Badlands with the Sasquatch Pack. The trucks are then given the necessary upgrades for field work.

This includes satellite connectivity for constant communications capabilities, winches for recovery and a variety of lighting upgrades. Additionally, the Broncos have integrated drone technology to assist with real-time aerial reconnaissance.

All teams interested in the program are welcome NASAR.org apply. The application procedure starts now and runs until April 30.

Engine1 takes: Anytime an automaker steps in to help organizations doing good in the world, we’re happy to see it. Ford delivers serious vehicles for serious work, and we hope this program will lead to even more help finding its way to organizations like these.