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Hondo approves nearly $90,000 in Operation Lone Star funds for tactical gear
Summary
Council authorized Hondo Police Chief Sosa to purchase tactical equipment—including night-vision gear and ballistic helmets—using amended Operation Lone Star grant funds; the motion to spend $89,675.51 from Primary Arms passed by voice vote.
The Hondo City Council voted May 12 to authorize Police Chief Sosa to purchase tactical equipment using designated Operation Lone Star grant funds. Chief Sosa said the equipment will support plans for a regional special response team being arranged through a memorandum of understanding with the county sheriff’s office.
Chief Sosa told the council the city currently lacks specialized assets and would rely on neighboring jurisdictions if a SWAT-type response is needed. "Currently, we don't have any assets like that in this entire county. If we need a SWAT team or some type of specialized team, we have to wait for Bexar County or San Antonio," he said.
The requested purchases include night-vision equipment, ballistic helmets, helmet peripherals and additional ballistic helmets for officers. Chief Sosa noted one item previously in the packet—the IR light that attaches to a firearm—was removed because grant rules (GRA funds) do not allow its purchase. The motion recorded in the meeting authorized purchasing equipment from Primary Arms in the amount of $89,675.51, to be paid from approved Operation Lone Star grant funds; the council approved the purchase by voice vote with no opposition.
Chief Sosa also said the city has discussed establishing a regional special response team through a mutual arrangement with the county sheriff, with personnel and equipment shared between agencies. The council did not record a roll-call tally in the transcript.
