Project Responder, the Ultimate Volunteer Firefighter's Emergency Response Vehicle, wins "Best Of Show" at the Chicagoland Emergency Vehicle Show.

The 2005 Chicagoland Emergency Vehicle Show was a huge success for both the show promoters as well as for the Ultimate Volunteer Firefighter's Emergency Response Vehicle, Project Responder. After five years of hard work building Project Responder, Michael Netherton, the owner of the truck saw his efforts greatly rewarded with his truck being voted Best Of Show by the show's participants. With over 200 emergency vehicles of all shapes, sizes and service classes in attendance, winning this award is quite an honor.

Winning the Best of Show trophy was a complete surprise for Michael Netherton, who drove the truck from Union, Missouri to participate in the show. According to Michael, "I never dreamed I'd be taking home a trophy that's nearly as tall as me. This is absolutely amazing, it's definitely the icing on the cake." After winning the award, Michael was interviewed for the production of a DVD which will be produced in the next few weeks. One of the key elements for which Mr. Netherton was very pleased was the fact that the sponsors of the project are getting their well deserved exposure considering the fact that Project Responder would not be anywhere near as impressive without all of the support over 140 sponsors. From wheels, tires, power tools, a skid unit system and even an onboard computer, Project Responder is completely decked out and ready for just about any emergency.

Even with all of the attention on the truck over the course of the show, Mr. Netherton still took the time to visit the local fire station in North Aurora for a photo op. One of the goals of the project now, according to Michael is to get photos of Project Responder at every firehouse in all of the towns and cities along the routes the truck travels. "The emphasis is really on the rural communities that rely on volunteers to man the trucks and keep their town safe." said Michael. "This truck is all about being a volunteer and giving selflessly to the community and one way we can spotlight these great men and women is to visit them along the way and share them with the rest of the world."

For more information about Project Responder or to get your very own Limited Edition Project Responder T-Shirt, you can visit the website at http://www.projectresponder.com.