KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM) — The Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office is one of two southwest Michigan police agencies trying to acquire a decommissioned mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicle from the military.
Undersheriff Pauli Matyas said the tank-like machine would be put to good use.
“Our reason for getting one is backup for the Bearcat we have for the Metro SWAT team,” Matyas said.
Matyas said they’ve been trying to acquire a decommissioned MRAP for two years now. They’re taking the military surplus route to cut costs.
“To go out and buy another Bearcat would be just under $500,000,” Matyas said. “It’d be a pretty good savings for the community.”
Matyas says final paperwork was mailed last month. The sheriff’s office doesn’t know when they’re going to hear back from the feds.
The Battle Creek Police Department is also on the list of 16 Michigan police agencies vying for the used armored vehicles.
– Anthony Pollreisz
