CITY MAY ACCEPT HEAVY ARMORED VEHICLE

  

The Brenham police department could have a heavy military vehicle at its disposal soon.  This is something the City Council will be discussing when they meet Thursday.

The now closed BAE Plant in Sealy, manufactured Mine Resistant Ambush Protective vehicles, or MRAPS.  They had some left over and they have been offering them area counties and cities.

Austin County accepted one two weeks ago.  County Judge Carolyn Bilski said the Sheriff’s office could use these vehicles to make rescues during floods and other emergencies.

Now BAE has offered the city of Brenham one of these vehicles.  Police Chief Rex Phelps says this vehicle will come to the city at no cost but it can be called out and used out in the county for emergencies..  This is a fully equipped vehicle that has a value of $700,000.   He said the vehicles could be used as a protective shield for police officers.

Only five of the vehicles were left once the plant closed.

The Brenham City Council will be talking about accepting the vehicle and how it would be used during the workshop portion of Thursday’s meeting.

The Brenham City Council meets Thursday at one at city hall.