Mahoning County Sheriff’s office shows off new armored vehicle

The Mahoning County Sheriff’s office recently showed off its new armored vehicle at the Mahoning County Commissioners’ meeting.

Attendees had a firsthand look at one of the county’s newest pieces of law enforcement equipment. The Sheriff’s Office introduced the new Lenco “Bearcat” for use by the Mahoning Valley Crisis Response Team/SWAT unit.

Officials said the vehicle, which can withstand gunfire up to 50-caliber rounds, cost just under $300,000 and took roughly two-and-a-half years to assemble at Lenco’s manufacturing plant in Pittsfield, MA, from the date when the order was placed until it was delivered.

Sheriff Jerry Greene thanked the Board of Commissioners at the meeting for approving the purchase, which was covered in part by revenue generated by the housing of federal inmates in the County Jail.

The “Bearcat” will replace a much larger Lenco “Bear” vehicle that first went into service in 2004, and was becoming increasingly difficult to find parts for. Officials said it will now serve communities across the three county area that are part of the Mahoning Valley Law Enforcement Task Force.