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Force's new member

Tampa police's new armored carrier can endure floods and hurricane winds.

By COLLEEN JENKINS
Published June 14, 2006

TAMPA - Motorists on Dale Mabry Highway got a glimpse Tuesday afternoon of the Tampa Police Department's imposing new member.

It was an aluminum, 12-ton armored personnel carrier, ready for deployment as the 2006 hurricane season debuted with the arrival of Tropical Storm Alberto.

"If we needed to move around in 60- to 70- mph winds, we have the ability to do that," Officer Mark Hopper told reporters at the unveiling of the new carrier.

The Police Department already has a rescue vehicle with amphibious capabilities. But "Rescue 2" can withstand stronger winds - up to 180 mph - in addition to driving through up to 5 feet of water and traversing a ditch 6 feet wide.

The carrier, nicknamed the "high-top shoe" for its tall, ungainly silhouette, could be used in natural disasters, terrorist attacks and especially dangerous crime scenes, officials said.

Tampa police purchased it from the military in 2003 at a fixer-upper rate of $1,500. Since then, with a federal grant and local donations totaling $300,000, rubber tracks, emergency lights and an upgraded engine have been among the improvements, Maj. John Bennett said.

Five members of the SWAT are trained to drive the vehicle. It holds 13 people standing, has night vision capabilities and gets 3 miles per gallon of diesel.

"It's not gas friendly, but it sure is community friendly," Hopper said.

And it strikes an intimidating presence on the road.

"I can change lanes real easy," Hopper chuckled. "Everybody gets out of my way."

[Last modified June 14, 2006, 05:13:04]