Wednesday, October 5th, 2022
Funding sought for armored vehicle
By Bob Tomaszewski
WAPAKONETA - The Auglaize County Sheriffs office is seeking a $250,000 state grant for an armored vehicle to provide additional protection at active crime scenes involving a weapon.
If approved, officials want to buy a $316,723 Lenco Bearcat Armored Tactical Vehicle with help from a $250,000 State Homeland Security Grant through the Ohio Emergency Management Agency.
Auglaize County Commissioners last week signed a resolution agreeing to a $66,723 local match if funds are approved.
"It would be used for special callouts special scenes, special incidents where the suspect would be wielding some sort of weapon," deputy Mike Peterson said. "This would allow our team members to get closer to the scene."
Peterson said hostage negotiators could use the vehicle as well.
"We've always wanted a vehicle like that. It's just been cost preventative. The need has always been there," Peterson said.
The current Special Response Team vehicle at the sheriff's office functions as both an equipment truck and a command center on scenes involving a weapon.
"Once we get guys outfitted, geared up and deployed, it then becomes our command vehicle," Peterson said
Should they receive the grant, the sheriff's office would continue to use the SRT vehicle. A decision on the grant is expected in the next few months, Peterson said.
