Macomb County Sheriff's Department May Get 2 Armored Vehicles
MOUNT CLEMENS (WWJ/AP) - The Macomb County Sheriff's Department might be getting two armored vehicles next year it was forced to return a military vehicle it used to the federal government.
The Macomb County Board of Commissioners approved using about $300,000 in funding for a new armored personnel carrier to replace an armored military vehicle recalled under an executive order issued by President Barack Obama.
At the same time, county officials are working with Congressman Sander Levin of Michigan to gain a similar vehicle at no cost through a grant.
"We were moved to the top of the list and now it appears that we're going to get one," Sheriff Anthony Wickersham told WWJ's Charlie Langton.
Wickersham, who wants to keep "all options open," said there is definitely a need for two armored vehicles in the county.
"I want to be well prepared and I want to be cautious," he said. "Our team is large enough, it's 26 personnel that are on the team that a second vehicle could come in handy for transportation purposes and deployment."
Obama this year ended long-running federal transfers of some combat-style gear to local law enforcement in an attempt to ease tensions between police and minority communities.
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