Joining forces with its local dealer in the wake of Hurricane Ian, Segway Powersports teamed with Sun Sports Cycle & Watercraft, Inc. in Ft. Myers, Florida, to provide UTVs to the Lee County Sheriff’s Department (LCSD) for its emergency response efforts. In need of additional relief vehicles to conduct search & rescue operations on the Barrier Islands, LCSD raced out to Sun Sports Cycle and was able to secure the vehicles needed on its time-sensitive mission.
“In light of Hurricane Ian, whether big or small, there was a need for assistance,” says Segway VP Shane Wilson. “An opportunity to support our first responders in their continued efforts to secure the affected communities is a top priority. To have a dealer like Sun Sports Cycle & Watercraft that puts the continued safety of their communities first makes an impactful difference beyond just the powersports industry. We are honored to work with them as a partner.”
Although Sun Sports Cycle & Watercraft, Inc. also fell victim to the hurricane, with some employees being displaced from flooded homes and others still without electricity, none of the staff suffered injuries. The dealership itself sustained only moderate damage, including sign and gutter loss, fascia damage and torn roofing that resulted in leaks.
At a time when many vehicles had been flooded and were unsafe to drive, Segway UTVs were a perfect solution. With an accelerated time frame at hand and very little time to spare, Segway Powersports came through quickly to provide the needed units. In fact, LCSD has already acquired eight UTVs so far and is set to order additional units.
Sun Sports Cycle & Watercraft Vice President and General Manager Ralph Graettinger concluded Segway saved the day. “With many manufacturers having difficulty with supply, we are grateful Segway can keep the supply chain full. When we needed more units immediately, Warren Johnson of Segway had replacement units within days.”
