The Williamston Police Department recently took possession of a 1993 HMMWV (HUMVEE). The 4wd military surplus vehicle will be used as an emergency response vehicle should either a natural or man made situation result in the need, according to Williamston Police Chief Jay Grubbs. Grubbs said the vehicle would be used in the event of a snowstorm, tornado or fire or should the EMS or fire department not be able to get to a hard to reach location and could even be used in an evacuation type situation if necessary.
Grubbs said the vehicle has a diesel engine and a storage area for supplies. Though it will not be used unless needed, it will be started and driven periodically to keep it functional and running, he said.
The vehicle cost $35,000 new and probably has the original tires still on it, according to Grubbs. Supplies, parts or equipment can be requisitioned through the military.
The vehicle was found through a military search engine from which agencies can request specific equipment.
Chief Grubbs said the request goes to a state coordinator and then to a national coordinator and finally to the military base where the equipment is located for final approval.
Grubbs said the department has also requested a portable generator through the program.
According to the chief, the surplus equipment is available to smaller departments that do not have funds to purchase that type of equipment. All requests must berational and justified to be approved, he said.
The program is offered through the Law Enforcement Support Office (LESO) as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which authorizes the Secretary of Defense to transfer excess Department of Defense (DOD) property to federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
Since the program began, more than $2.6 billion in property has been transferred to local, state and federal agencies, according to the LESO website.
Photo 0 Williamston Police Lt. T. A. Striss and Police Chief Jay Grubbs with a military surplus “Hummer” the Williamston Police Department recently acquired. The 4wd emergency response vehicle will be available for the department if needed to respond to an emergency situation such as a manmade or natural disaster.Ready for emergency