From weather disasters to mass shootings and hostage situations, law enforcement is tasked with putting their own lives on the line as they attempt to save those in peril.
A vessel that’s often used in such high-risk incidents is a Lenco BearCat, an armored SWAT rescue vehicle that can withstand high-caliber rounds, high wind debris and more. In Bucks County, there is only one BearCat available. Housed in Central Bucks, it is 21 years old and on the tail end of its life.
To ensure police and community safety moving forward, Sen. Frank Farry, along with state Reps. K.C. Tomlinson, Joe Hogan, Kristin Marcell and Shelby Labs, secured a $350,000 grant for the purchase of a brand new BearCat.
This acquisition was announced during a news conference at Bensalem Township Municipal Complex last Tuesday morning, with the legislators, Mayor Joseph DiGirolamo, director of public safety Bill McVey, Bucks County District Attorney Jen Schorn and Bucks County Sheriff Fred Harran on hand to discuss the importance of having a BearCat housed in Bensalem.
“It is a vital tool for our law enforcement officers when high-risk incidents happen. So whether that’s a hostage situation, somebody threatening to harm themselves, mass casualty incident, this is an important tool for them to use,” said Farry.
DiGirolamo expressed pride over this important step toward the safety and welfare of law enforcement and community members alike: “I hope we never, never have to use it. But if that time comes, we’ll be prepared.”
Tomlinson, a longtime advocate for public safety, shared a similar sentiment: “We are happy to say the BearCat will call Bensalem home. I pray we never need it, but it sure is better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.”
Harran stressed that, while it’s been 26 years since the Columbine mass shooting and 23 years since 9/11, such incidents can happen anywhere, at any time. He thanked the legislators for uniting to secure the funds for this much-needed vessel.
According to McVey, the BearCat will not only be responsive to Bensalem, but all of Bucks County, serving all three regional special units and tactical (SWAT) teams.
“Many people see this as a vehicle they don’t want, but it’s a rescue vehicle. And that’s how we see it. It’s gonna keep our SWAT officers safe, it’s gonna keep civilians safe. Everyone knows that today’s environment is very unpredictable, as we see mass shootings and school shootings across this country unfortunately way too often,” said McVey. “But it’s a vehicle that can guarantee law enforcement can get there to rescue people and save lives.”
Also in attendance was Dan Friel, president of the Bucks County Chiefs Association, who described the BearCat as a “vehicle refuge” that can operate in situations where traditional rescue apparatus cannot.
“It allows rescuers to perform immediate search and rescue through hazardous events such as hurricanes and even tornadoes,” he said. “The BearCat has built a track record proving its effectiveness in harsh conditions and is establishing the new standard and expectation for community emergency response.”
Labs added that the BearCat will save resources, as well as the most critical element: time. She said, “This acquisition will allow for quicker response times throughout the county, ensuring the safety needs of residents are met quickly.”
At the time of this writing, the BearCat was ordered and is estimated to arrive within the next 14 months.
Farry concluded the news conference by saying, “As we’ve watched the world turn in terms of treatment of our law enforcement, I think it is important as public officials that we stand there with them, we thank them for what they do, and we recognize that it is a very noble profession that is doing important work, and we help get them the tools they need to keep not just themselves safe, but also keep the public safe.”
Samantha Bambino can be reached at sbambino@newspapermediagroup.com
