Chatham-Kent police unveil donated armored rescue vehicle

To replace an aging armored vehicle in its fleet, Chatham-Kent police unveiled a state-of-the-art upgrade Sept. 13.

Donated by General Dynamics Land Systems Canada, based in London, the armored rescue vehicle (ARV) will be used for high-risk calls and natural disasters.

The announcement took place at the John D. Bradley convention center, after a brief police services board meeting.

During the last six years, retired sergeant Paul Pomajba and Chief Gary Conn developed a relationship with General Dynamics, informing the company Chatham-Kent would be interested in a demo or prototype vehicle, should one become available.

“This is not an armed military vehicle,” Conn said. “It has no offensive capabilities. . . . It’s purely defensive in nature. And it will save lives.”

General Dynamics has donated similar vehicles to two other police services, Conn said, noting many Ontario forces, and the OPP, have them.

Normally priced between $750,000 and $1 million, Chatham-Kent paid only the $50,000 cost of repainting the vehicle and refurbishing its suspension, ventilation system and electronics.

“It’s indicative of wanting to develop stronger professional partnerships and relationships,” Conn said.

“It’s the coming together of the private and public sector for a common goal. . . to enhance and increase both officers and public safety.”

Since municipal amalgamation, the police service has used a donated armored money truck, now more than 30 years old. It will be retained for training purposes.

The new vehicle weighs 7.28 tonnes, is 6.4 meters long, 2.47 meters wide and 2.63 meters tall. It can carry 10 people at speeds up to 100 km/h.

According to a board report, the vehicle could be used to provide protection during calls for rescues, barricaded suspects, active killer or hostage situations, searches with possible firearms and extreme weather.

“Thankfully, this vehicle will not be called upon on a regular basis,” Conn said. “Our current armored rescue vehicle averages approximately three to four operational deployments per year.”

The chief added he hopes to continue raising public awareness about the police service’s operational functions and equipment, while addressing any concerns.

“It’s all about engaging, explaining and educating,” he said.

After the presentation, Mayor Darrin Canniff said he believed Chatham-Kent had a chance it couldn’t pass up.

“It’s fantastic, the public-private partnership,” he said. “A vehicle, if we bought it new, would cost astronomically more than what we paid just to refurbish it. It provides that security we need for our officers and to make it a safer community.”