(BINGHAMTON, N.Y.) — Senator Fred Akshar and Mayor Richard C. David on Tuesday joined law enforcement officials to unveil a brand new armored police rescue vehicle for the City of Binghamton Police Department.
The newly-activated armored rescue vehicle will assist the Binghamton Police Department’s Metro SWAT Team and significantly increases the safety of citizens and police officers in emergency situations. The rescue vehicle can now be deployed in police calls involving hostage situations, barricaded subjects, recovery of downed officers or civilians, high-risk warrant raids and as a rescue vehicle during weather emergencies like severe flooding.
The Binghamton Police Department leads the multi-agency Metro SWAT Team, a New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Certified SWAT Team made up of officers from police agencies in Binghamton, Town of Vestal and Village of Johnson City. The Metro SWAT Team covers a response area of more than 70 miles, and the new armored vehicle will be available to law enforcement agencies throughout the 52nd Senate District.
Senator Fred Akshar secured a $275,000 state grant to help fund the purchase of the vehicle. Previously, the Metro SWAT Team had been utilizing a former bread delivery truck for its operations.
Senator Fred Akshar said, "Today’s announcement comes down to safety, plain and simple. Our men and women of law enforcement selflessly put their lives on the line every day to make our community safer. They're the first to put themselves in danger, and it's incumbent that we make sure they have the right tools they need to keep our community's civilians and our police officers safe from harm. Our local law enforcement agencies identified the need for a versatile and dependable police rescue vehicle, and I'm proud to play a small part in securing the tools necessary to help our community heroes better serve and protect the people of the 52nd Senate District."
“An armored police rescue vehicle greatly increases both the capabilities of our SWAT team and the safety of officers responding to dangerous situations,” said Mayor Richard C. David. “Officer safety is paramount, and Senator Akshar has made clear his commitment to our men and women in uniform. He has been there time and again for the Binghamton Police Department, providing funding to directly support officers as they protect and serve residents.”
“Tactical situations are often very dangerous, and we now have the proper vehicle to protect our officers thanks to Senator Akshar,” said Binghamton Police Chief Joseph T. Ziksuki. “Police departments across the country have to be prepared for everything with proper training and equipment. This police rescue vehicle is one of the most important investments we can make.”
The police rescue vehicle is manufactured by Lenco Armored Vehicles of Pittsfield, Massachusetts
