The Washington Fire-Rescue-EMS Department Auxiliary’s purchase of a Gator for the department is a sound move.

Gator 1, as it’s been named, made its official debut during this past weekend’s Summer Festival. Its future potential is unlimited, and department officials believe Gator 1 will prove a valuable asset to the city.

In addition to working festivals, Gator 1 will respond to areas where a standard EMS unit cannot respond, such as wooded areas, wetlands and other remote areas.

The auxiliary raised funds for Gator 1 with its recent portrait promotional campaign. Other groups helped bring Gator 1 to Washington.

Last month, the life-skills class at Washington High School presented $350 to the auxiliary to help with the purchase of the four-wheel Gator.

The class, made up of special-needs students, runs the Pam Pack Café, using money raised by that fundraising effort to support projects and programs in the community. Pam Pack Café is for faculty and staff at the high school. After visiting the fire department earlier this year, class members chose the department as its beneficiary this year.

There’s a Gator residing in Washington, one that will prove helpful instead of harmful.

The community is better off thanks to the generosity of the WHS life-skills class and the fire department’s auxiliary.