Deputy Fire Chief Trevor Howard and Matt Berndt (left), Lt. Eric Krug and Lt. Bobby Sullivan (rear center) and Jodi Berndt with Fire Chief Mark Deaver (right). (Metro Wire photo)

Plover Fire Department adds inflatable rescue boat with Firehouse Subs grant

By Brandi Makuski

PLOVER – The Plover Fire Department has added a new inflatable rescue boat and full swift water rescue gear package to its arsenal, thanks to a $37,264 grant from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.

The department unveiled the Wing 4.2 inflatable rescue boat this week, a 14-foot vessel chosen for its durability, stability, and rapid deployment capabilities—particularly suited for the department’s jurisdiction, which includes stretches of the Wisconsin River from the Stevens Point Dam to near the Biron Dam and many waterbodies in between.

“This is everything we got with the grant—the boat, motor, trailer, and four full sets of swift water rescue gear,” said Deputy Fire Chief Trevor Howard. “That includes boots, gloves, helmets, and dry suits.”

Matt and Jodi Berndt (center) look over the new rescue boat on May 27. (Metro Wire photo)

With much of the department’s coverage area lacking formal boat ramps, the inflatable design is a game-changer. The boat, which weighs 242 pounds (plus another 125 pounds for the motor), can be carried by a six-person team and launched from shore when needed.

“This vessel allows us to get in the water quickly, even in areas without easy access,” Howard said. “It’s super sturdy. We tested its stability, and you can lean over the side to pull someone out without worrying about tipping. If it takes a puncture, there are multiple air chambers and a patch kit, so it’ll still get us back to shore.”

The boat has a maximum capacity of 2,100 pounds and offers a stable platform for water-based rescue operations. It comes with a patch kit and can be deflated for shipping if repairs are needed.

Fire Chief Mark Deaver said the new boat replaces the department’s rapid deployment craft (RDC), sometimes called a “banana boat,” which required paddling and lacked the versatility and work surface of the new model. The RDC will remain in service for ice rescues and other seasonal needs.

The grant was made possible through the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, which has donated more than $67 million in lifesaving equipment to first responders nationwide since it was founded by a pair of Florida firefighters in 1994. A portion of every Firehouse Subs purchase supports the foundation.

Locally, the area’s first Firehouse Subs opened in 2022 at 200 Division St., next to District 1 Brewing. It’s owned by Matt and Jodi Berndt of Weston. Matt Berndt is a firefighter in Kronenwetter, and the cause is personal for the couple.

“This is all made possible by our customers,” said Jodi Berndt, noting that the foundation is funded through customer donations—including rounding up purchases, buying empty pickle buckets, and participating in October donation drives. A portion of every sale also supports the foundation.

“In Portage County, three of our nine fire departments have received grants from the foundation, along with our police department,” Deaver said. “It’s an incredible contribution to public safety.”

Previously, Firehouse Subs awarded grants to fire departments in Stevens Point and Stockton.