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Board approves $75,000 purchase of used Bearcat armored vehicle for sheriff’s office
Summary
The Board voted to transfer $75,000 from fund balance to purchase a used Lenco Bearcat armored vehicle from the Lynchburg Police Department. Sheriff Clark and deputies said the vehicle has been used in Campbell County responses and that owning it would improve response time and officer safety.
The Board of Supervisors approved a request on Oct. 7 to transfer $75,000 from fund balance for the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office to purchase a used Lenco Bearcat armored vehicle that the Lynchburg Police Department offered at a below‑market price.
Sheriff Kevin Clark described the vehicle’s operational history, saying the Bearcat (a 2011 model with approximately 14,000 miles) had been used in multiple critical incidents in Campbell County while stored and operated by Lynchburg. Clark and his SWAT leaders said the vehicle’s armor had protected deputies under small‑arms fire during prior responses and that ownership by the sheriff’s office would shorten response times compared with relying on the regional mutual‑aid arrangement.
Sheriff Clark said a new Bearcat would cost about $400,000; Lynchburg had offered the used vehicle for $150,000 but agreed to a sale price of $75,000 to Campbell County. Staff explained that a separate vehicle fund and CIP account had limited balance after reductions in prior budget cycles, and county administration recommended using fund balance rather than drawing down the already constrained vehicle/CIP fund.
Lieutenant Smith (Lynchburg Police/operations liaison) said the Bearcat is driven on a standard license classification and that operators receive vehicle‑handling training, such as EVOC. Staff said the vehicle’s maintenance needs are similar to other heavy‑duty fleet units; the armored components and manufacturer support would be considered for specialty maintenance.
Outcome: The board voted in favor of transferring $75,000 from fund balance for the sheriff’s purchase. The clerk recorded the motion and the transfer; staff said they would pursue title and transfer logistics and return with any needed procurement steps.
Ending: County staff said they would seek to recoup value from the sheriff’s current surplus or inoperable vehicle where feasible and that routine heavy‑vehicle maintenance planning would be incorporated into fleet operations.
