GENTRY — Though the winter has so far been mild and no weather incidents have made it difficult to navigate Gentry’s streets and roads, Gentry Police Department is prepared to get around and continue to serve the needs of citizens if heavy snow or high water does come, thanks to the purchase of two military Hummers.
The police department was able to purchase the two retired low-mileage Humvees for the grand total of $260 each, according to Police Chief Keith Smith. The two vehicles are owned by the police department but the fire department will use one of them as a tactical response medical vehicle to assist the police in working accidents and critical incidents - especially when road conditions make access difficult.
The police department plans to use the other to patrol and assist citizens during major weather events like last winter’s heavy snows when regular patrol vehicles were unable to access most areas of the city until snow plows cleared streets and roadways.
Smith told the safety and police committee that it would cost the city about $2,000 to paint the Humvee which the police will use. He also said it couldcost $500 to $1,000 to add lights, controls, siren, public address system and striping.
Smith also asked the police and safety committees at their Jan. 17 meeting if he should establish a policy regarding the wearing of ballistic vests by officers on patrol duties.
Smith said he’s highly suggested his officers wear their vests but has not made it mandatory. He said the program which reimburses the city 50 percent ofthe cost of officer vests - $500 or more each - requires departments to have a wear policy to be eligible for the reimbursement.
Smith said he was seeking the input of committee members because a policy change requiring officers to wear the vests while on street and patrol duties would be both a safety issue for officers and a financial issue for the city.
Committee members suggested Smith establish a wear policy for both the above reasons.
News, Pages 1 on 02/01/2012