Acela Introduces Purpose-Built Flood Rescue Trucks

Acela Truck Co. has introduced rescue trucks that have been purpose-built for agencies operating in flood-prone areas. The Bozeman, Mont.-based manufacturer has added high-water rescue and response trucks to its line of Monterra 4×4 and 6×6 truck chassis.

With 47 in. tires and 23 in. of ground clearance, all-wheel-drive, waterproof alternator and starter and a proprietary fording kit, the flood rescue variants are capable of fording 50 in. of water, said the company, while carrying up to 20 seated passengers (including driver) with room for pets, personal property or rescue gear. 

Monterra trucks can respond at highway speeds of 74 mph for situations that require long-distance travel, said the company.

Acela said its flood rescue trucks were inspired by company president, David Ronsen, a retired firefighter who has responded to dozens of catastrophic flooding events.

“I know first-hand how frustrating it is for local fire, law enforcement, EMS, EMA, and search and rescue agencies to be faced with the challenges of having to rescue thousands of their customers without proper flood rescue equipment”, said Ronsen. “Acela’s product design team committed to designing an incredibly capable new tool for first responders to reliably and safely impact hundreds of people a day.”