Chatham-Kent police have received a new armoured rescue vehicle to replace their three-decade old one, which they say has reached the end of its useful life cycle.
The service unveiled the vehicle, which was donated by General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada based in London, on Wednesday at the John D. Bradley Convention Centre in Chatham.
Chatham-Kent Police Chief Garry Conn said the vehicle will mainly be used to protect officers from when dealing with high-risk calls or natural disasters.
“This is not an armed military vehicle,” said Conn. “It has no offensive capabilities. It’s purely defensive in nature and it will save lives.”
These types of vehicles are usually worth between $750,000 and $1 million, but Chatham-Kent only paid $50,000 to repaint the vehicle, refurbish its suspension, ventilation system, and electronics.
Chatham-Kent police unveil donated armoured rescue vehicle on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at the John D. Bradley Centre in Chatham. (Photo by Millar Hill)
The current truck, a previously donated armoured money truck, now more than 30 years old will be retained for training purposes, according to Conn.
The new vehicle weighs roughly 7.28 tonnes, is 6.4 metres long, 2.47 metres wide and 2.63 metres tall.
It also can carry up to 10 people and reach speeds up to 100 km/h.
“Thankfully, this vehicle will not be called upon on a regular basis,” said Conn. “Our current armoured rescue vehicle averages approximately three to four operational deployments per year.”
As for its annual operating cost, that will vary, due to the deployment of the vehicle, according to Conn.
"There is very little wear and tear to the costs associated to these types of assets," said Conn.