images: Ford
This past summer, I logged some hours at a state park up the street from my house, helping clear fallen trees and clean bathrooms for the parks and recreation division of Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources in my spare time.
Upon showing up and checking the task list, the next step was to grab a vehicle and load in tools and supplies. At our disposal were several John Deere Gators, a couple of Ford Super Duty trucks, and a Cruze. Since most of the work revolved around landscaping, trailers, and slippery wooded trails and rutted service drives, the last choice on the list was always the Cruze, no insult to the car or its manufacturer. It simply wasn't the best tool for the job.
While nowhere near comparable to the nobleness and urgency of life-saving operations, the right equipment made all the difference in getting around the park efficiently and effectively with chainsaws, gas cans, and bags of trash in tow –– something all of you who use your vehicles for manual work and recreation can speak to, and a fact Ford knows as well.
Ford's “Answer the Call” and Its Origins
At last week’s Bronco RTR reveal, Ford covered the importance of outfitting men and women with proper gear, from its Carhartt partnership focused on supporting the skilled trades to the ongoing donation of five Broncos to under-resourced search and rescue organizations across the U.S. through its “Answer the Call” program.
After road-tripping across the states in 2025 to see how owners are using their vehicles and meeting with Sheriff Jamison Wiggins of the Grand County Search and Rescue, Ford President and CEO Jim Farley had the desire to get more Broncos into the hands of response teams.
Read: Ford CEO Meets with Bronco Nation Member and More in Moab
This calling is not new for Ford and its Bronco Wild Fund program –– you may remember in 2023 when the motor company donated a Bronco Badlands to the National Parks Service for use in Bandelier National Monument.
The 4-door Bronco, upfitted by defense, fire, and rescue vehicle manufacturer and distributor Darley into a command rig, aids firefighters in protecting Bandelier’s 33,000 acres that include ancient native lands and sacred sites.
So now, in collaboration with the National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR), Ford and the Bronco Wild Fund have created “Answer the Call” to get the right tools into the hands of people who do the most with the least, said Dave Rivers, head of Ford enthusiast brands.
Five Broncos Put into Service
In addition to two Broncos already donated to Kern County Fire & Rescue in California and Teton County Search & Rescue in Wyoming, three others are available.
These Broncos, all Badlands equipped with Sasquatch Package, have the capability and gear necessary to help teams in the backcountry. By once again partnering with Darley, the vehicles receive Starlink Satellite Connectivity for remote communication, drone technology for aerial reconnaissance, winches, and recovery gear, helping NASAR volunteers rescue people across extreme terrain.
Making a Difference in Mission Outcomes
Through April 30, 2026, search and rescue organizations can apply to be a recipient of one of these three remaining upfitted Bronco Badlands SUVs. Teams should visit The National Association For Search And Rescue and click on the “Answer the Call” tile on the site’s homepage to apply.
Grant Application Details
The Search and Rescue organization applying must be a 501(c)3 organization.
To complete your application, visit GrantsConnect and sign up/log in to begin your application process. Once you have logged in, you can select your organization via search by organization EIN or name registered with the IRS (W-9 Form).
Grant applications require uploads including the organization’s W-9, budget, financial statements, and an endorsement letter from local law enforcement.
Applications must be entered by February 28, 2026. Grant award recipients will be notified on April 30, 2026, and the Broncos will be delivered to the search and rescue teams by December 31, 2026.
Enter, or Share with Eligible Teams
If this partnership doesn’t directly apply to you, please share the news. You may indirectly help an organization save a life in the future.
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