Mahindra USA and Yahoo Sports Radio partnered to present a new Mahindra eMax 22 tractor with front-end loader to Corporal Kurt Poteet of the Lee County Sheriff’s Department as part of Mahindra Tractors’ First Responders Appreciation program, A Tribute to the Brave. Corporal Poteet, who lives in Cape Coral, Fla., was randomly selected from nearly 800 nominations as part of Mahindra’s appreciation program to recognize the service and dedication of first responders throughout the nation.

Glen Ezell, Mahindra USA Business Manager, and Tony and Christi Sarlo, owners of Sarlo Power Mowers, presented the tractor to Corporal Poteet in a ceremony at Sarlo Power Mowers, an authorized Mahindra Tractor and Mahindra XTV utility vehicle dealer in Fort Myers, Fla.  The Sarlos, who began selling Mahindra tractors and XTVs at all 3 of their dealerships in Southwest Florida, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs and Naples, in early 2015, are proud to have a local first responder selected from their area.

“It is an honor to recognize the service of our first responders through the Mahindra First Responders Appreciation Program, an integral part of Mahindra’s Rise initiative of driving positive change in our communities. First Responders are the heart of their communities as they bravely guard the safety and security of their neighbors. We value the service of Corporal Poteet and the many first responders nationwide,” said Cleo Franklin, Vice President, Marketing and Strategic Planning, Mahindra USA.

“Sarlo chose to partner with Mahindra brand tractors because of its long company history, international brand reputation and overall quality.  The addition of Mahindra gives Sarlo a model-by-model advantage over our tractor competition and keeps with our strategy of selling only the best,” said Tony Sarlo, President, Sarlo Power Mowers. "We are beyond pleased that Corporal Kurt Poteet is the winner of the Mahindra Tribute to the Brave Giveaway and we know he will enjoy his new eMax tractor.”

The promotion was open to any active or retired law enforcement, firefighter or EMT and is one element of Mahindra’s First Responders Appreciation Program that includes special discounts on tractor and implement purchases for the people who serve their communities.