First responders in Box Elder County have a new amphibious vehicle to ferry them to some of the most hard-to-reach spots in northwest Utah.

Its unique look is matched by its unique name: “SHERP.”

“It will simply be another tool in the box that we can reach out and use when we don’t have anything else that’s going to meet the needs,” Box Elder County Sheriff Chief Deputy Dale Ward said.

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The county bought the SHERP for around $125,000 with the help of federal grant money obtained through the Box Elder County Mineral Lease Board.

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The SHERP weighs around 3,000 pounds, but it can float and propel itself on water. The tires can deflate and inflate themselves on demand.

Ward says the SHERP will increase safety for first responders and get help to people in need much quicker than traditional 4-wheel drive vehicle or ATVs.

“Ironically, we got it at 2p.m. Sunday afternoon and at 8 o’clock Sunday evening it was on the mountain on a search,” Ward said.

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