By Logan Wells, News Director | Logan@kymnradio.net
Last week, the Rice County Sheriff’s Office acquired a new tactical armored security vehicle commonly known as a BearCat. Rice County Sheriff Jesse Thomas said that the vehicle allows officers, including crisis negotiators, to get close to dangerous situations and reduce the likelihood that they’re injured or killed, allowing them to de-escalate crises more effectively.
“So we want to have the ability to respond and save people and protect victims, and this gives us the ability to drive up to a house. Established conversation and see if we can deescalate the situation. But it also keeps our staff safe.” – Rice County Sheriff Jesse Thomas on the KYMN Morning Show
Each BearCat is custom-made by LENCO Armored Vehicles in Pittsfield, Mass. It has seating for 10 and includes emergency lights, a PA, and a turret up top.
“So if you look back at the Burnsville incident, the South metro SWAT used their BearCat in that situation, which it got shot up. But the people inside the officers inside were safe. So it can take certain rifle rounds.” – Rice County Sheriff Jesse Thomas on the KYMN Morning Show
The new BearCat will be available during any callouts of the South Metro SWAT, a unit comprised of officers from Rice and Dakota County law enforcement agencies. Prior to its arrival, the closest BearCat was an hour away. When a situation calls for this type of machinery, an hour can be too long to wait, said Thomas.
“Long overdue for area, So we’re part of the South Metro SWAT team in Rice. So with Dakota County and the closest one was in Rosemont and that’s a 2005 model.” – Rice County Sheriff Jesse Thomas on the KYMN Morning Show
The vehicle, which cost $338,000, is expected to last for at least 20 years, said Thomas. At that point it could be sold, he said, or refurbished.
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