S3 Power Sports transformed a Polaris RANGER Crew Diesel into a highly specialized fire suppression and rescue vehicle—and then donated the completed machine to Caddo Fire District #3 in Louisiana.
A Polaris RANGER Built for Emergency Response
Caddo Fire District #3 serves the western portion of Caddo Parish, Louisiana, covering an area that includes industrial facilities, residential communities and major transportation routes. The department provides fire suppression, fire prevention, rescue and advanced life support ambulance services while also assisting neighboring districts through mutual-aid agreements.
Fire Chief Mitchell approached S3 Power Sports with an idea for a UTV capable of supporting firefighters and rescue personnel in areas that could be difficult to reach with a conventional emergency vehicle. S3 Power Sports took that concept and developed a purpose-built machine based on a Polaris RANGER Crew Diesel.
The finished build combined aggressive suspension and tire upgrades with emergency lighting, communications equipment, rescue provisions and a completely custom cargo system. Most impressively, S3 Power Sports donated the completed RANGER to the fire district.
Designed for Fire Suppression and Rescue
The RANGER Crew Diesel received a full exocage and reinforced roll cage, providing additional protection while creating a foundation for the vehicle’s specialized equipment. The roof was strengthened so firefighters could stand on it while operating the spray system, and a retractable locking support bar gave the operator something secure to hold.
A concealed ladder provided access to the roof, while a stretcher mount installed in the rear seating area allowed the RANGER to help transport injured people from remote locations. A chainsaw mount, flashlight charging stations and a water-cooler mount added practical equipment storage for extended emergency operations.
S3 Power Sports also fabricated a custom rear bed with a functional hydraulic dump system. The specialized bed gave the department a versatile platform for carrying firefighting equipment, rescue gear and other supplies.
Suspension, Tires and Recovery Equipment
To increase ground clearance and improve its ability to reach emergencies away from paved roads, the RANGER was equipped with a six-inch suspension lift. KING coilover shocks fitted with custom 500-pound springs helped support the added weight of the emergency equipment.
Thirty-inch SuperATV Dominator tires were mounted on chrome M12 Diesel wheels from Colorado Components. A custom S3 Power Sports front bumper carried a 5,000-pound winch for vehicle recovery and other emergency tasks, while custom rock sliders helped protect the sides of the machine.
Emergency Lighting and Communications
The electrical system was upgraded with two XS Power batteries and one Optima battery to support the vehicle’s extensive lighting and communications equipment. Flashing LED emergency lights and LED taillights improved visibility, while a 30-inch front LED light bar provided forward illumination.
Two 10-inch LED light bars were mounted on the sides, and a rear-facing work light illuminated the cargo and rescue area. A roof-mounted CB radio allowed the crew to communicate while operating in the field.
Build Specifications
- 2011 Polaris RANGER Crew Diesel
- Full exocage
- Reinforced roll cage
- Custom S3 Power Sports winch bumper and mount
- 5,000-pound winch
- Six-inch suspension lift
- KING coilover shocks with custom 500-pound springs
- Chrome M12 Diesel wheels from Colorado Components
- 30-inch SuperATV Dominator tires
- Custom S3 Power Sports rock sliders
- Flashing LED emergency lights
- LED taillights
- 30-inch front LED light bar
- Two 10-inch side-mounted LED light bars
- Rear-facing work light
- Roof-mounted CB radio
- Two XS Power batteries
- One Optima battery
- Flashlights with integrated chargers
- Reinforced roof designed to support a standing operator
- Retractable locking roof bar for operating the spray system
- Rear-seat stretcher mount
- Concealed roof-access ladder
- Custom S3 bed with hydraulic dump operation
- Chainsaw mount
- Water-cooler mount
Fire Rescue Polaris RANGER Crew Diesel Photos
A Purpose-Built Working UTV
This fire rescue RANGER demonstrated how a utility side-by-side could be adapted for much more than recreation or everyday property work. Its compact size and off-road capability allowed emergency personnel to carry equipment and reach locations where a full-size fire engine or ambulance might not be practical.
The combination of a diesel powertrain, six-person platform, upgraded suspension, recovery equipment, and custom rescue features made this one of the most functional Polaris RANGER builds of its era. S3 Power Sports’ decision to donate the completed vehicle made the project even more meaningful.
