TERRELL, Texas — Earlier this year, the Terrell Police Department acquired a “tactical response vehicle” which was recently put into service and utilized in an armed, barricaded suspect incident earlier this week.
TERRELL, Texas — Earlier this year, the Terrell Police Department acquired a “tactical response vehicle” which was recently put into service and utilized in an armed, barricaded suspect incident earlier this week.
The vehicle, a 2008 MaxxPro manufactured by Navistar Defense, was acquired in near new condition after a rigorous application process which began over two years ago through the U.S. government’s 1033 Program — which repurposes former military vehicles for public safety use.
“[The vehicles are] completely demilitarized and provide a protective platform from which to conduct a number of emergency public safety operations,” according to the Terrell Police Department in a release.
The program, according to the release, “allows the city to make use of this incredibly beneficial and expensive equipment at no cost to local government.”
“The vehicle, valued at well over $800,000 is virtually bullet-proof, has very high ground clearance and can be utilized by the police department for many public safety operations, including SWAT Calls, Hazardous Search Warrants, Rural Area Searches and High Water Rescue Operations,” states the release.
“Similar vehicles capable of this level of protection and application are available on the public market, but are incredibly expensive and ‘outside the affordability of most small cities,’” stated Terrell Police Department Support Services Captain Ken McKeown.
“The vehicle has proven a great asset for the city’s SWAT team as well as the personnel involved with fire service and rescue,” stated McKeown who referred to the arrest of an armed, barricaded suspect earlier this week.
A reported domestic disturbance with an armed suspect prompted a SWAT response on Monday morning. The armed individual barricaded himself in his home in the 200 block of Lovers Lane in Terrell, Texas.
“This bullet-proof vehicle enabled us to safely deploy SWAT personnel directly to the scene of the threat, without risk of injury to either officers or the suspect,” stated McKeown.
“The protection provided by this vehicle, as well as its robust qualities, enables first responders to effectively deal with dozens of emergency operations, including shooting incidents, search and rescue, active shooters and many other applications faced by law enforcement today," said McKeown.
"Our community should feel very blessed that our public safety personnel have been provided the opportunity to participate in this government program,” stated Terrell Police Department Chief Jody Lay. “This equipment enhances our ability to provide professional and responsible police services to our citizens.”
“This is the kind of equipment you truly hope you never have to use, but when faced with extreme threats and challenges, you are extremely glad you have it available to protect our citizens and officers," stated Lay.
A law enforcement agency that applies for this equipment is required to meet certain criteria, including justification for use of the vehicle, an adequate geographical area and multi-jurisdictional availability, according to the release.
“This equipment simply provides local law enforcement with additional tools and options for ending hazardous situations peacefully, hopefully avoiding the use of force,” stated Terrell Police Department Captain and Public Information Officer A.D. Sansom.
