Lavaca County approves Operation Lone Star grant filing and $55,000 handheld backscatter purchase

County commissioners on March 10 voted to authorize the Lavaca County Sheriff's Office to apply for state Operation Lone Star grant funds and approved a related $55,000 purchase of a handheld backscatter x‑ray device from Viking Detection.

The action came after Lavaca County Sheriff (unnamed in the record) and Captain Josh Lasallek, captain of operations for the Lavaca County Sheriff's Office, described how the device would be deployed. Captain Lasallek said the equipment is a handheld backscatter machine that "allows officers to take the device, hold it up to parts of the vehicle" and that it can show images of organic materials such as concealed narcotics. He added the model being requested includes an attachment for transmission imaging to detect metallic items, including weapons. "Within the quote is also training that's provided by the manufacturer," Lasallek said, noting the need for deputies to be trained to operate and maintain the device.

The sheriff's office characterized the equipment as a sole source because, they said, the requested model is uniquely able to detect both organic anomalies and a high density of lead used in some hidden compartments. Captain Lasallek also said the device is portable and can be carried in a case for roadside or scene deployment and that images can be saved and made available to prosecutors for case preparation.

Commissioners approved two separate actions by voice vote: a resolution authorizing the filing of the Operation Lone Star grant application (state Public Safety Office, project number 4382203) and the purchase quote (Q-09094) with Viking Detection. Precinct 2 moved and Precinct 1 seconded both motions; commissioners voted unanimously in favor.

The purchase price approved was $55,000, which the record says includes warranty and manufacturer training. County officials said the purchase will be paid from Operation Lone Star funds already allocated or available to the sheriff's office; discussion also noted that some Operation Lone Star funds under item 10 are from prior administration allocations and must be spent promptly.

The record includes explicit statements that the vendor is sole source for the requested technology and that training is included in the vendor quote. Commissioners asked that procurement staff and the auditor's office be involved to ensure compliance with county purchasing rules for sole‑source purchases.

Votes at the meeting were recorded as voice votes in favor with no formal roll‑call names recorded in the transcript text.

The sheriff's office said it will share the device with local law enforcement agencies in Lavaca County as needed.