$285,933 armored vehicles to be used in parades etc. in New Hampshire.
The LENCO BearCat whose purchase has caused a stir in Keene, NH over the last few months joins a cadre of armored police vehicles across the state.
New Hampshire State Police, the Nashua Police Special Reaction Team, the Manchester Police SWAT Team, the Central NH Special Operations Unit based in Concord, the Southern NH Special Operation Unit in Derry and the Seacoast Advanced Response Team in Portsmouth all own armored vehicles.
Keene City Council's acceptance of a $285,933 Homeland Security grant to purchase a LENCO BearCat Special Missions for the police department late last year riled some residents, who said it would be a waste of federal funds and/or a militarization of the small city's police department.
After several public hearings, Keene councilors voted again to accept the grant. City Manager John MacLean said the vehicle has been ordered, and will take several months to be built.
Manchester purchased its BearCat in 2007 using a Homeland Security grant, then donated its Peacekeeper, another armored vehicle, to the Central NH Special Operations Unit.
Concord Police Sgt. Steve Smagula said before owning the Peacekeeper, officers would have to enter a hostile area using hand shields.
Portsmouth Police Detective Michael Maloney said the Seacoast Emergency Response Team purchased its BearCat several years ago through a Homeland Security grant.
The Southern NH Special Operations Unit also purchased its BearCat with a Homeland Security grant, said Unit Commander and Derry Police Capt. George Feole.
Salem Town Manager Keith Hickey, whose town is a member of the Southern NH Special Operations Unit, said it makes sense for his town to be part of a regional group that owns a BearCat.
The armored vehicles are used in the communities for parades and brought out on National Night Out events as well as Touch-A-Truck events.
http://www.unionleader.com/article/20120326/NEWS07/703269971