Lake County to purchase $340,000 armored vehicle

The Lake County Sheriff ’s Department is getting a new $340,000 armored police vehicle, but one commissioner didn’t think the purchase is needed.

The Board of Commissioners agreed to buy a $340,000 armored rescue vehicle from Alpine Armory. Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr. said the vehicle is necessary to protect citizens and police officers during serious incidents.

“We’re very pleased with this; it’s a great asset,” Martinez said.

During critical incidents, including active shooters, Martinez said an armored vehicle can save lives.

Commissioner Mike Repay, D-Hammond, cast the sole dissenting vote.

“It is not something I feel is needed,” Repay said.

That money could be spent in other places more effectively, Repay said, and better serve the citizens of Lake County.

Commissioner Jerry Tippy, R-Schererville, said the sheriff and his staff showed the need for a vehicle, and the one in the current fleet was used 85 times in 2018, and more than 323 times during the last three years.

“The new vehicle is not a military attack vehicle,” Tippy said. “It is a 21st century police vehicle that protects police officers and civilians in high risk situations.”

All bidders met the specifications drafted by the Sheriff’s Department, Tippy said.

He said the county budgeted $365,000 for an armored vehicle, using casino revenues instead of tax dollars. Tippy said the low bidder was roughly 7 percent below budget.

Alpine Armory ’s $340,400 was one of four reviewed by the Sheriff’s Department and commissioners. The other three bids were $355,435 from The Armored Group; $364,750 from Terradyne Armored Vehicles; and $380,257 from Lenco Industries.

Last year, Martinez first proposed buying a Lenco Bearcat. The commissioners decided instead to seek bids for an armored vehicle.

Martinez said he and his staff preferred the Lenco brand.

All the bid prices came close to each other, Martinez said, and the vehicles were similar except for some specific technical aspects, such as armor thickness.

Martinez said Alpine Armory’s vehicle met about 95 percent of the specs the department was looking for.

“At the end of the day, it will serve its purpose,” he said.

Also Wednesday, the commissioners received bids for a series of police vehicle purchases.

Two bids were submitted for the up to 22 vehicles, which include sedans for patrol, detectives and administration.

Those bids were for $555,234 from Thomas Dodge in Highland and $594,111 from a dealership in Salem, Ind.

The board voted to take the bids under advisement.

Tippy said the budget for the vehicles is around $500,000.