Lancaster County Sheriff Terry Wagner says they have purchased a nearly $360,000 armored vehicle for their Tactical Response Unit. The money came from money forfeited during criminal investigations and did not cost taxpayers a dime.
He says the Lenco Bearcat was purchased in Massachusetts last month. It replaces a larger military owned emergency vehicle that has been used for the past nine years. It will be returned to government surplus.
Wagner says the new vehicle is easier to drive and they will save money on maintenance costs. He says it will be used for a variety of hazardous calls, especially during standoffs with armed individuals.
“We can transport officers or deputies to a close proximity to the house and have them protected by the vehicle on one side or the other,” Wagner says. He says the vehicle has room for ten officers and will be used by other law enforcement agencies. “It can stop a .50 caliber bullet.”
(Photo of the old military style armored vehicle)