The Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office has added a 21,000-pound armored vehicle to its fleet.
The Lenco BearCat is equipped with bulletproof glass and drone deployment abilities and will provide greater security and efficiency for the SWAT Team, according to a TCSO Facebook post.
To honor fallen Deputy Constable Mark Diebold, the only TCSO SWAT team member lost in the line of duty, his call sign A-15 was painted on the passenger side of the armored vehicle.
County Commissioner Manny Ramirez commented on the new armored vehicle.
“In 2022, Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office Deputies faced a dangerous situation when an armed suspect opened fire on them with a rifle, forcing them to seek cover behind their patrol vehicles. The delayed arrival of up-armored backup resulted in one deputy being shot in the helmet during the ambush,” Ramirez wrote on Facebook.
“Recognizing the need to enhance the safety of our law enforcement officers, Tarrant County has taken a significant step forward. This week marked a historic moment as we welcomed the arrival of the first Bearcat Armored Vehicle in TCSO history. This new addition equips our deputies with enhanced protection, empowering them to effectively respond to high-risk scenarios and safeguard both themselves and the community they serve. In Tarrant County, our commitment to supporting and prioritizing the safety of our law enforcement personnel remains unwavering,” continued Ramirez.
The Tarrant County Law Enforcement Association also showed their support for the newly purchased armored vehicle.
“TCLEA members serving in the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office greatly appreciate you and the other Commissioners who made this happen. The Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office Warrants Division takes dangerous people off the streets across the county and in our cities, making this a major officer safety tool for their work. The Patrol Division serves a population approximately the size of the City of North Richland Hills and faces many of the same dangers found in a city that size, making this new tool a life-saver. Thank you again,” responded the Tarrant County Law Enforcement Association on Facebook.