SHERIFF’S OFFICE SOON TO HAVE ARMORED VEHICLE
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office will soon have an armored vehicle to use in tactical situations. Washington County Commissioners approved the donation of a used Brinks armored truck to the Sheriff’s Office during their meeting Tuesday morning. The truck is currently located in Portland, Oregon and the Sheriff’s Office will use donated funds to bring it to the county and convert it for their use. Sheriff Otto Hanak said that the truck is not as menacing as a military vehicle and that it didn’t require any special license to drive. The Sheriff’s Office was also approved to purchase with forfeited funds a system developed by the Houston SWAT teams that uses a flash-bang cartridge to breach a door. The device directs the explosion from the cartage to a single point such as a door lock or a hinge.
In other action, commissioners set May 22nd as the opening day for submissions by architect firms for services related to a new Emergency Communications Center. Commissioners want to get an architect involved in designing and selecting a site for a new dispatch center. The county is currently renting the dispatch building on Baylor Street from the City of Brenham. That lease expires in September of 2019. Commissioner Joy Fuchs pointed out that the lease is only renewable for one year and that the city would have to agree to extend it.
Commissioners appointed two people to the Local Workfoce Development Board. Blinn College Chancellor Dr. Mary Hensley will be the literacy representative to the board, and County Judge John Brieden will serve as the private sector employer to the board.
Commissioners approved a 5 year Interlocal Agreement with the Brazos Valley Wide Area Communications System. Washington County has been part of the system for 10 years now and it allows emergency responders to communicate with agencies in surrounding counties.
Commissioners approved allowing Seitel Date to locate wireless receives and recording stations along county right of ways in precincts 2, 3, and 4. Seitel will be utilizing them for seismic studies for oil and gas exploration. Added to the approval was a requirement that Seitel notify the county commissioner in each precinct before using a vibrator truck or placing recorders in the right of way.
Commissioners also approved the sell of fireworks for the Memorial Day holiday from May 23rd to May 28th. They also approved a 5 year contract with the Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Unit for remote birth certificate database services.
Ok this is dumb to the highest power, So tell me whens the last time IED’s were planted in Washington County, because thats what those things are used for. I spent 4 years in the Marines and was able to ride in one all of 2 times. Now i see them all over the great Nation of ours as floats. The police Dept. and sure as hell Sheriff’Office dont need these things, how about shipping them back to the military were they are needed daily, because when i was in we had to up armor our own Vich’s with spare metal we found laying around. As for them using them in the floods they could have done it with normal trucks. just ask blackwater or any other company of that nature what they use, Ford F350 armored up with sheets of metal. Can anyone here tell me whos has RPG’s or Rockets they plan on firing at these things? Over kill then over kill now. Besides it only takes 2 shots to disable these things anyways so………………….those who served know what i mean.
There are several structurally sound buildings vacant and for sale in the city of Brenham (i.e. the former S&L building with vaults, the Boettcher Building on South Market, among others). Has the county considered these options in lieu of another new Emergency Communications Center? As a “mature” taxpayer, my common sense often gets into the way of progress. However, I see options…a lot.
How many armored vehicles do we need in this county? How many is enough? How many times have they been used?
Seriously, an armored vehicle in Washington, County Texas. I look at that huge thing the police department has which seems to be only rolled out at parades and wander just how much it costs us to maintain. I support law enforcement and first responders in most things, but this just seems like the good old boys want a new toy!
It’ll keep our LE boy safe when confronting long distance shooting bad guys…
If you really think it’s just another toy, then I expect you to volunteer yourself to shield officers next time a meth head gets a bad batch and barricades himself in a building with hostages and an Uzi. Otherwise, be glad they’re getting it. Besides, there’s really nothing fun or cool about them, basically just a brick on wheels.
The “huge thing” the police department has was used in multiple swift water rescues throughout this county in the recent flooding. Ask the people who’s life it saved if its necessary .