The News Room [News Release]

Sheriff Contact: John Roach: 313-224-0615
Release Date: Friday, June 18, 2004

Donation provides sheriff’s office with homeland security vehicles --- Army gives sheriff two surplus armored vehicles for rescue operations

The Wayne County Sheriff’s office recently received the first of two armored personnel carriers [APC] that have been donated to the department by the US Army. The vehicles, valued at about $300,000 apiece, were surplus units that no longer were needed by the military.

According to Sheriff Warren C. Evans, having the new vehicles will prepare his office to deal with a number of sensitive situations more effectively, including rescue scenarios that may involve hostages, hazardous materials, a sniper, riot control and even flooding.

“These are not the kind of vehicles that will get used every day, but are incredibly useful when the need arises,” Evans said. “We are very fortunate to be able to provide this new tool without any cost to the county’s budget.”

The vehicles can carry up to 11 people, including a driver. “That means we could safely deliver our special response team officers into a hostile environment or be able to rescue people and transport them inside the passenger area,” Evans said.

The tank-like vehicles have been retrofitted with rubber tracks to allow them to be used on roadways in an urban setting. Evans said he will store one of the vehicles near downtown and one in western Wayne County to allow for a rapid response in either area.

Similar vehicles also were donated to the sheriff’s offices in Oakland and Macomb counties.

» Go To Top