Emergency response vehicle

GRAVETTE — Gravette police officers Travis Grant, left, and Jeff Turner stand beside the Humvee which the police department purchased with "drug funds." The army surplus vehicle has been repainted as a Special Emergency Response Vehicle (S.E.R.V.) which can be used when weather conditions or rough terrain make response difficult. The interior will be fitted with appropriate equipment to handle such emergency responses.

Police Chief Trent Morrison said, "I wish we had had it (the vehicle) during the heavy snow last winter." He also said Benton County requested it be put on standby for use during the floods earlier this spring. Total cost for the vehicle and painting was about $2,000, and did not involve use of any city funds. Look for it in the upcoming Gravette Day parade, Saturday, Aug. 13.