Issue link: http://lawandordermag.epubxp.com/i/98779
FOCUS Lenco���s BearCat Refurbishment Program of a newer model. The price of a refurbished BearCat starts at $125,000. Refurbishment Advantages Sam Todd is the Operations Advisor for the Ohio Tactical Offcers Association (OTOA), a non-proft organization that provides networking opportunities and communication links to law enforcement tactical teams and frst responders. The OTOA recently assisted Hudson Township���s Metro SWAT Team in their search for a much-needed armored vehicle for tactical operations. ���Funding a big-ticket item like this has often fallen on grant funding requirements, and occasionally, direct funding from an agency,��� Todd said. ���It is not a luxury item; it is an essential tool that tactical units should have access to in a All Lenco armored trucks are built with Mil-Spec armor plate that will stop timely manner.��� 7.62mm AP and 50 BMG bullets. The recent rash of shootings has brought home to all Americans that senseless violence can occur anyseats, carpeting, and running boards. Other areas of refurbish- where in this country. In light of this, law enforcement agenment include 4-wheel drive, adjustable height gunner stand, cies must have the tools necessary to bring mission-critical siren and PA system, and multiple gunports. scenarios to a positive conclusion. When three Pittsburgh After refurbishment, the BearCat is then marketed to law police offcers were fatally shot during a four-hour standoff enforcement agencies for use in tactical and SWAT opera- in April 2009, the pressure for Metro SWAT to procure an artions. Since trade-in value has a great deal more to do with mored rescue vehicle became critical. Since many of the Pittshours on the engine than miles, most of the used BearCats burgh SWAT team offcers were good friends of Metro SWAT, have relatively low mileage. With the refurbishment program, the point was driven home especially hard. smaller departments and budget-conscious agencies can upUnderstanding that Metro SWAT was hindered by budgetgrade to Lenco���s newest equipment (including the Hydraulic ary restraints, Jim Massery, Government Sales Manager for Boom and Gas Injector Unit) at a more affordable price. Agen- Lenco, suggested the purchase of an upgraded Gen 1BearCat cies trading in a used BearCat receive the full trade-in value through the refurbishment program. ���These units provide the of the vehicle, which can then be applied toward the purchase same great protection level and quality manufacturing Lenco has made their reputation on, with the vintage styling of the Gen 1 designs,��� Todd explained. The refurbished unit looks and functions like a new vehicle, giving small teams with tight budgets the opportunity to purchase a life-saving piece of equipment like the Lenco BearCat. Like Metro SWAT, the Winnebago County Sheriff���s Offce in Illinois was struggling to acquire a much-needed armored vehicle for their SWAT team, primarily due to limited equipment funds. According to Deputy Chief Scott D. Meyers, most of the Homeland Security grant money goes to ILEAS (Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System), which is a regional response-type entity throughout the state. ���Because of this, federal grant funding is usually unavailable to local agencies for bigticket items like a BearCat,��� Meyers noted. Click on EInfo at - www.lawandordermag.com reader service #13 20 LAW and ORDER I December 2012