Saint John will be getting a new addition to its police force — an armoured rescue vehicle.
The vehicle, which costs about $380,000, is being donated by Commercial Properties Ltd.
Police Chief Bruce Connell told our newsroom the vehicle will increase safety for the public and members of the force.
“This vehicle will provide support for the organization in rescue missions, during events such as active shooter situations or hostage takings, as well as safely removing people from inside parameters when an area has been blocked off for public safety,” Connell said.
Impressive addition to the @saintjohnpolice fleet for enhanced protection of SJPF members and citizens! Much thanks to @CPLProperties for making this possible and generously donating yet another significant contribution to your community! pic.twitter.com/mJFGOWnXP0
— Greg Norton (@GregNortonSJ) November 13, 2018
The recent killing of two police officers and two civilians in Fredericton and the 2014 shooting of three Mounties in Moncton show New Brunswick is not immune to “acts of horrific violence,” Connell said.
We asked the chief how officers currently respond to high-risk calls without an armoured rescue vehicle.
“We have other styles of vehicles in response to emergency situations,” Connell said, adding this new vehicle will be another piece of the toolkit to allow officers to do their job safely and effectively.
Connell said the vehicle will be similar to one Fredericton purchased for its police force earlier this year; the New Brunswick RCMP also has an armoured vehicle.
We are glad to be able to support the community in this way. https://t.co/hS6WsR79ba
— CommercialProperties (@CPLProperties) November 13, 2018
“Like all New Brunswickers, we were shaken by the tragic events in Fredericton this past August, and the tragic events in Moncton in 2014,” John Irving, president of Commercial Properties Ltd., said in a news release.
“We asked the City of Saint John if there was anything we could do that was out of the ordinary and that would help keep our community safe. They indicated that a Rescue Vehicle would be an important additional resource.”
Connell said the vehicle should be delivered sometime in early spring 2019.
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Story by Brad Perry
Twitter: @BradMPerry
Email: perry.brad@radioabl.ca
(Photo submitted)
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