Sheriff’s Office Acquires Humvee
The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office recently received a HMMWV (Humvee as it’s commonly known) under the 1033 program. This vehicle came to the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office at no cost to the taxpayers of Jasper County, explained the sheriff.
The vehicle is a 2000 year model, but only had 44 actual miles on it when acquired from the Marine base in Albany. The Humvee is a fully armored vehicle. The Sheriff’s Office has not previously had a fully armored vehicle.
This vehicle will be used by the Sheriff’s Office Tactical Squad for operations of a high risk nature. A law enforcement specific armored personnel carrier would have cost $150-250,000, he said. Through the 1033 program, the Sheriff’s Office can also obtain replacement or repair parts at no additional cost.
Sheriff Donnie Pope says “Our office is very fortunate to have such a specialized vehicle. The safety of our citizens and deputies is my responsibility, and I do not take that lightly. Giving our tactical team such a tool for their protection is a blessing.”
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“I am proud of all our employees. They work very hard and perform a dangerous job. They deserve to have equipment that helps keep them safe. We will continue to seek federal grants and opportunities to acquire resources that could not otherwise be purchased.”
The 1033 program is a program that authorizes the Secretary of Defense to transfer excess Department of Defense property to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Special consideration is provided to counter-drug and counter terrorism activities.
Currently, 50 states and three U.S. territories participate in the program, which supports a law enforcement customer base of more than 1.7 million officers.
Since 1990, more than $4.2 billion worth of property has been transferred to law enforcement agencies nationwide. More than 11,573 participating agencies utilize the program to improve their capabilities, expand their patrol coverage, and save taxpayers from purchasing equipment that is already available.
The Sheriff’s Office would like to invite citizens to visit its new Facebook page at Jasper County Sheriff’s Office that lists activities and events involving the community. They also remind everyone of their website, www.jaspercosheriff.com, and the TIPS line 706-468-JCSO (5276).
