Scotch Plains Deploys New SHERP Vehicle in July 3 Storm

The Scotch Plains Township Fire Department acquired a SHERP all-terrain amphibious vehicle through its 2026 capital budget and deployed it for the first time during the severe storm of July 3, 2026—approximately two weeks after arrival. The vehicle proved its value immediately, enabling emergency personnel to navigate obstacles and reach residents in flooded areas.

Union County Life covers Scotch Plains municipal infrastructure and emergency response capabilities across all 21 Union County municipalities.

Deputy Mayor Matt Adams announced the deployment in the Scotch Plains Messenger newsletter, noting the timing of the acquisition. "The timing of the acquisition could not have been more fortunate. The SHERP has already demonstrated its value as a critical addition to our emergency response capabilities," Adams wrote.

The July 3 Storm Response

The July 3 storm brought fallen trees, floodwaters, and downed power lines across Scotch Plains. The SHERP enabled police and fire personnel to travel over and around those obstacles to reach residents in affected areas. The vehicle's amphibious design allowed emergency responders to traverse both land and water environments, accessing properties that standard emergency vehicles could not reach.

The SHERP Vehicle

The SHERP is an amphibious vehicle built with oversized ultra-low-pressure tires, a sealed aluminum body, and a high-torque diesel engine. The vehicle's specifications reflect its specialized emergency response design.

The SHERP can travel at speeds up to 25 mph (40 km/h), climb vertical obstacles nearly three feet high, and ascend slopes of up to 35 degrees. It can traverse stone fields, sand, snow, deep mud, and fallen trees. The vehicle can float in water and climb directly from water onto ice or land, transitioning between environments without modification.

The SHERP has cargo capacity of more than 2,600 pounds or can transport up to eight passengers. This combination of load-carrying and personnel-transport capability makes it versatile for rescue, supply delivery, and evacuation operations.

Regional Recognition

The Scotch Plains Fire Department is believed to be only the second agency in New Jersey to add a SHERP to its emergency response fleet. The identity of the first New Jersey agency has not been disclosed. The acquisition reflects a growing recognition among emergency management professionals of the vehicle's value in handling terrain and environmental challenges that exceed the capabilities of traditional emergency vehicles.

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Photo Credit: Sherp USA Website

FAQ

Q: What is the SHERP vehicle in Scotch Plains?
A: The SHERP is an amphibious all-terrain vehicle acquired by Scotch Plains Township through its 2026 capital budget. It is designed to navigate difficult terrain and water environments for emergency response, rescue, and evacuation operations.

Q: When was the SHERP first used in Scotch Plains?
A: The SHERP was first deployed during the severe storm on July 3, 2026, approximately two weeks after delivery to the township.

Q: How did the SHERP help during the July 3 storm?
A: The SHERP enabled Scotch Plains police and fire personnel to navigate fallen trees, floodwaters, and downed power lines to reach residents in affected areas.

Q: What can the SHERP do?
A: The SHERP can travel at speeds up to 25 mph, climb vertical obstacles nearly 3 feet high, ascend slopes up to 35 degrees, float in water, and carry over 2,600 pounds of cargo or up to 8 passengers.

Q: What terrain can the SHERP traverse?
A: The SHERP can travel over stone fields, sand, snow, deep mud, fallen trees, and water. It transitions between land and water environments without modification.

Q: Is Scotch Plains the only fire department in New Jersey with a SHERP?
A: No. Scotch Plains is believed to be the second fire department in New Jersey with a SHERP vehicle. The identity of the first agency has not been disclosed.

Q: Who announced the SHERP deployment?
A: Deputy Mayor Matt Adams announced the deployment in the Scotch Plains Messenger newsletter, noting that the vehicle's timing of acquisition "could not have been more fortunate."