PHOTO BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
MRAP … The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office has obtained a new MRAP for the SRT team. The MRAP is stated to be used only in needed situations where the protection of officers and or the community is needed. The vehicle itself also has no weaponry included on the vehicle and will be used to keep occupants safe.
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
WAUSEON – The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office has obtained a new MRAP (Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected) Vehicle.
This vehicle will be used by the office’s newer Special Response Team, in conjunction with a newly obtained and repurposed ambulance, that will serve as the team’s mobile command center.
According to Sergeant Justin Galbraith, the process of creating this team and getting to where we are today was years in the making.
The team itself is comprised of deputies from the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office as well as officers from the Wauseon Police Department, Archbold Police Department and Swanton Police Department.
Paramedics from the Wauseon Fire Department and Swanton Fire Department are also assigned to the team for medical purposes, although they have also gone through OPOTA Certification for firearms and are scheduled to attend a practical medical session in August. The team also features certified hostage negotiators should the need arise.
“The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to announce the acquisition of an MRAP (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicle, which will enhance our ability to protect and serve the community in high-risk situations”, said Galbraith.
“This MRAP was generously transferred at no cost from the Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office through the federal LESO 1033 program, which allows law enforcement agencies to obtain surplus military equipment.”
“Originally purchased with federal tax money in 2013 for military use, the MRAP has now been repurposed to support local law enforcement. We are grateful to a local trucking company for their generous donation of transportation services, ensuring that no local tax money was used in the acquisition process.”
“Additionally, fundraisers and several local businesses have contributed towards the installation of equipment, repainting, and maintenance, further eliminating any financial burden on local taxpayers. This community effort underscores the importance of our shared commitment to public safety.”
“Importantly, this MRAP is strictly an armored personnel carrier and does not contain any weaponry. Its primary function is to provide safe transport and protection for law enforcement officers and civilians.”
“It’s specifically intended for use in extreme circumstances, such as active shooters, armed barricaded subjects, hostage situations, natural disasters, and other high-risk incidents where the safety of officers and the public is paramount.”
In a flat, rural county like ours, approaching any situation involving an armed individual can be extremely dangerous”, continued Galbraith.
“The MRAP provides the necessary protection to approach these high-risk situations safely and effectively, ensuring the utmost safety for our community. We considered the purchase of a smaller armored vehicle called a Bearcat from Lenco Industries. However, the cost was estimated to be around $300,000.”
“In light of this, obtaining the MRAP at no cost was a fiscally responsible decision. In comparison, the only difference between them is the MRAP is on a commercial truck chassis, while the Bearcat is on a pickup truck chassis.”
“This vehicle will serve as a valuable resource for Fulton County and will be available to the surrounding counties if the need arises to ensure a broader regional benefit. Previously, in situations requiring an armored vehicle, response times took two hours or more, as there was nothing closer than Toledo or Wood County available in our region.”
“In dangerous situations, time is of the essence. We do not intend to use the MRAP frequently, and ultimately, we hope it doesn’t have to be used at all. “
“t’s something we’d rather have and not need than need and not have. If it saves one life, then it’s worth it. Our primary goal is to ensure the safety of our citizens, and this vehicle is an essential tool in achieving that goal.”
While the MRAP is not intended to be used unless the need is present, the need for an SRT team in Fulton County has been present.
With only being active for a couple of months now, the team has already been used in at least three situations, with two of those situations involving a barricaded subject with weapons present.
For Galbraith, the creation of this team has been a sense of pride. “Right now, with where we are, it’s been a sense of pride. To see what we’ve established and to see it operational now is a sense of relief.”
“There was a lot of work that went into this. A lot of communication and outreach. A lot of personal time from a lot of people went into this and I am proud to see it through.”