Erie unveils new SWAT rapid-deployment command vehicle funded by congressional appropriation

Mayor opened a city press conference to unveil the Erie Police Department’s new special weapons and tactics rapid-deployment regional command vehicle and introduced Erie Police Chief Dan Smizarni and Lieutenant Steve DeLuca.

"This vehicle right behind me was funded through a congressionally directed appropriation sponsored by congressman Mike Kelly," the Mayor said, thanking the congressman’s office and staff member Ashley Franklin for their support.

Chief Dan Smizarni described the van as a 2025 Mercedes Sprinter with a diesel engine, dual rear wheels, connected internet, a surround camera system, a weapon safe, extensive storage and seating for 10 fully outfitted SWAT operators. "It replaces a 28 year old 1997 van," Smizarni said, adding that the new interior allows operators to stand upright and to monitor technology and real-time surveillance directly from inside the vehicle.

Smizarni said the vehicle can serve as a temporary primary command post or a secondary command post, and listed typical uses including search warrants, warrant sweeps, surveillance operations, drug raids, special events and training. He noted the van’s all-wheel-drive capability as important for Erie’s climate and for longer operations where teams may have to wait on scene.

Officials said the combined cost for this vehicle and a recently received rescue vehicle is $860,750 and that those purchases were made with grant funding rather than with city budget dollars. Smizarni added that a bomb truck expected in January will cost about $325,000 and that the total value of recently obtained emergency vehicles will exceed $1,300,000.

Mayor emphasized the vehicle’s regional role: Erie SWAT, he said, is a 25-officer team meeting Tier 1 standards set by the National Tactical Officers Association and serves about 450,000 people in Crawford, Erie, Forest, Venango and Warren counties, with mutual-aid agreements covering an additional 13 counties in Region 13. The Mayor said the city applied for the funding in 2024 to secure a dedicated command and equipment transport vehicle.

The Mayor said the vehicle will also be used for community outreach at neighborhood events such as National Night Out and city celebrations, giving officers an opportunity to explain department work to residents. The press conference concluded with officials making themselves available for interviews and inviting attendees to view the new vehicle.

The city provided no vote or formal council action at the event; presenters described the vehicle’s funding source and intended operational uses and thanked Rep. Mike Kelly’s office for sponsoring the appropriation.