The Irwin County Sheriff’s Office has obtained an armored vehicle from the Department of Defense’s Law Enforcement Support Office Excess Property Program, a federal program that allows local law enforcement agencies to obtain surplus equipment, including weapons, vehicles, optics, etc., at no cost.
Last week, the Irwin County Sheriff’s Office released a statement regarding the acquisition of the vehicle, which has apparently upset some citizens in Irwin County. Here is the sheriff’s office’s statement:
“The armored vehicle was obtained at zero cost to the Sheriff’s Office or taxpayers of Irwin. The vehicle was obtained to assist the Sheriff’s Office in safely conducting our duties and to help ensure our deputies are able to return home safely at the end of every shift. It was requested by the Sheriff due to several serious incidents that have occurred in our county over the past several years. These incidents include officer involved shootings, subjects firing at deputies from inside their residences, calls involving homes claimed to be rigged with explosives while barricaded inside, and numerous protests including marches at our jail where individuals were wearing ballistic vests and carrying assault rifles. Additionally, this vehicle provides a means to safely recover officers or deputies who may be pinned down behind their vehicles and unable to safely extract from a scene due to the circumstances.
“This armored vehicle is a specialized piece of equipment and is not intended for routine patrol or everyday use. Its primary purpose is to provide protection during high-risk incidents and to enhance the safety of deputies and the public during critical events. When appropriate, the Sheriff’s Office will also make this resource available to assist surrounding counties through mutual aid.
“This message is intended to ensure citizens understand how the vehicle was obtained, why it was necessary, and that it came at no cost to our office or the taxpayers we serve. Our mission remains focused on public safety, preparedness, and the responsible use of resources entrusted to us. We appreciate the continued support and trust of our community.”
