Renovo and Avis Firefighters Earn UTV/ATV Safety Certification to Boost Rescue Readiness

Record EditorJuly 30, 2025Last Updated: July 30, 2025

1 minute read

Chris Ruppert of Station #8 Avis Fire Company drives Renovo Fire Department’s UTV on a course set up next to Stelly’s Pond in South Renovo. Members of both the Renovo and Avis Companies took part and successfully passed the two-day testing and course, allowing them to be able to operate their stations UTV’s during emergency situations.

By Kevin Rauch

Members of the Renovo Fire Department Station #29 and Avis Fire Company Station #8 recently completed a UTV/ATY safety course presented and tested by instructor Dave Bronze of Bucks County.

The volunteer members spent all day Saturday in classroom training before taking part in an obstacle style course on the grounds of Stellfox Pond in South Renovo on Sunday, as each was certified as passing the two-part course.

With ATV/UTV usage constantly growing across Central Pennsylvania, the need for rescue personnel to be trained in running their companies machines has grown just as rapidly, Rural companies such as Avis and Renovo often find themselves needing to utilize their UTV’s on other calls as well during remote rescue scenarios..

Each company has its own set of regulations for members to be able to drive their UTV’s, but by passing this course they become a valuable source of expertise if the time comes for them to jump into the driver’s seat.

In addition to becoming a confident driver by successfully completing the class and course