Crime & Safety

Delco Unveils New 'SWAT ONE' Crimefighting Vehicle

"We now have the ability to protect our police officers as they approach homes, businesses and schools while taking direct fire," District Attorney Jack Whelan said.

Delaware County has a new crimefighting tool -- a big one.

The county has a new SWAT ONE vehicle that will help keep both residents and police officers safer, the Delware County District Attorney's Office said.

The vehicle, a 2014 Lenco “BearCat” ballistic-engineered, armored-response vehicle, was purchased with Homeland Security grants under FEMA’s Urban Area Security Initiative program. 

“As businesses continue to expand here in Delaware County, we are continually committed to making sure that our police have the ability to address new threats,” said Delaware County Council Chairman Thomas McGarrigle. “SWAT ONE supports collaboration among responders, enhances our capabilities and will save lives.” 

SWAT ONE can carry up to 10 people, and has night-vision optics, a gas-injection system and a battering ram. It can withstand hits from a .50-caliber projectile, the District Attorney's Office said.

“We now have the ability to protect our police officers as they approach homes, businesses and schools while taking direct fire,” said District Attorney Jack Whelan. “SWAT ONE can deploy officers quickly and also retrieve injured persons and move them to safety. It enhances our ability to respond to urgent situations and has an integral role in enhancing the county’s comprehensive homeland security arsenal.”

The vehicle will be available to all 39 of Delaware County's municipalities should the need arise, the District Attorney's Office said.


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