McPherson County Sheriff's Office
MCPHERSON, Kan. — The McPherson County Sheriff's Office and McPherson KS Police Department announced Tuesday a collaborative effort to enhance public safety through the acquisition of a BearCat armored vehicle.
This investment signifies a commitment to officer safety and improved response capabilities for the McPherson County Special Response Team (SRT).The BearCat will be a shared resource, with both departments splitting the costs associated with its purchase and ongoing maintenance.
This fiscally responsible approach allows both the Sheriff's Office and Police Department to equip the SRT with a vital tool without placing undue burden on individual budgets.“The BearCat represents a significant upgrade for our SRT’s capabilities,” said Jerry Montagne, Sheriff of McPherson County. “This armored vehicle will protect our officers during critical incidents and allow them to more effectively respond to threats.”
Mikel Golden, Chief of the McPherson Police Department, echoed Sheriff Montagne’s sentiment. “The safety of our officers and the public is our top priority,” Chief Golden stated. “The BearCat will be a valuable asset in de-escalating potentially violent situations and minimizing risk to everyone involved.”
The BearCat’s features will provide the McPherson County SRT with several advantages:
Enhanced Officer Protection: The armored shell of the BearCat safeguards officers from gunfire and other ballistic threats during active shooter situations, hostage negotiations, and high-risk warrant service.
Improved Standoff Capability: The BearCat offers a protected environment from which officers can establish communication with suspects, deploy tactical resources, and resolve situations peacefully whenever possible.
Increased Public Safety: The BearCat’s presence can help de-escalate potentially violent situations and minimize the risk of harm to civilians and law enforcementpersonnel alike.
Disaster Response: The BearCat’s rugged design and high ground clearance make it suitable for navigating debris-filled streets or flooded areas following natural disasters, allowing officers to conduct search and rescue missions and provide criticalassistance to affected communities.
The addition of the BearCat to the McPherson County SRT’s equipment inventory represents a significant step forward in ensuring the safety of officers and the public they serve. This collaborative investment between the Sheriff's Office and Police Department demonstrates their unwavering commitment to provide the best possible response to critical incidents, both man-made and natural, within McPherson County.
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