This vehicle is expected to cost $290,816 and is made by Lenco Industries, a contractor that has built military vehicles for "700 federal, state and local tactical teams," according to the company's website.
The purchase order for the vehicle was approved by the Richardson City Council during an Oct. 24 meeting.
City officials said the armored rescue vehicle will be used for protection for officers during an armed encounter, including an active school crisis, a negotiation with barricaded persons with a firearm, or when serving a warrant for a dangerous suspect inside a building or home.
Richardson police Chief Gary Tittle said the rescue vehicle provides a greater amount of protection for officers to extract wounded victims and others from hot zones during critical incidents.
Currently, Richardson does not own an armored rescue vehicle and relies on the Plano Police Department’s armored vehicle as a shared resource based on availability when needed, Tittle said. He explained that the department having its own vehicle will enable year-round use of it when necessary.
“Should the Plano Police Department’s vehicle not be available during these types of situations, officers would be at an increased risk of harm,” Tittle said. “Furthermore, when this level of protection is needed during an unplanned crisis, the valuable time spent retrieving the vehicle from outside our city is critical.”
In addition to its capabilities in a police situation, the armored rescue vehicle will be equipped with a fire hose, which can be utilized for fire suppression and control during a tactical incident, according to city officials.
