Wayne County Unveils New SWAT Vehicle

Submitted by Kevin Byrnes

SOUTHGATE — Wayne County and the Downriver Community Conference, unveiled its newest homeland security asset for mutual aid calls in local communities, including Dearborn, on Wednesday.

The Lenco Bearcat armored personnel carrier will be utilized to assist and protect law enforcement Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) personnel. The vehicle was purchased through federal Homeland Security grant dollars, and no local or Wayne County funds were used. The SWAT vehicle can be used in a variety of situations including active shooter or in a response to terrorism. 

“As a former sheriff, I know the importance of having the necessary tools to help protect our citizens from the unexpected,” said Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano. “The fact that the Bearcat SWAT vehicle is a shared element for downriver communities helps protect the public while using resources in the most efficient way possible."

The SWAT vehicle adds to the lineup of security equipment available to downriver mutual aid communities that includes: 

• A crisis negotiator command center vehicle 
• A hazardous materials fire and rescue response vehicle 
• A mobile flammable liquid fire-fighting system 

In addition to being shared by downriver communities, the vehicles can be dispatched to other areas of the county and the region depending upon the circumstance. 

“Being prepared for an emergency or crisis situation is vital, given the realities of the world,” said Timothy McGillivary, Wayne County director of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. “We always hope for the best, however, it is wise to be ready if something does happen."

To learn more about Wayne County Homeland Security programs, visit www.waynecounty.com and click on the Homeland Security tab.