Worcester County OKs $38,230 purchase of pneumatic breaching tool for sheriff's office

The Worcester County Commissioners on Feb. 3 unanimously authorized the sheriff's office to buy a pneumatic breaching tool for $38,230.78, citing safety and operational benefits.

The sheriff requested the FY26 amended budget purchase and said the tool, manufactured by Holmatro and procured through cooperative contract PS25710, provides "rapid controlled forced entry into locked or barricaded doors" and reduces risk to officers and structural damage compared with manual or shotgun breaching. The sheriff said the county's procurement officer secured the purchase through a public cooperative contract and noted a 2% savings realized with vendor assistance.

In discussion, Commissioner Purnell raised concerns about timing and prior expensive purchases, saying the county should plan needs during budget season. "We got to know these things in advance so that we can make sure that you get what you need and other offices can get what they need," Purnell said. The sheriff replied the purchase was included in a budget amendment the board approved Dec. 2 and stressed the tool's role in both warrant service and medical-extraction situations. Lieutenant Rob Price, identified as a tactical-team subject-matter resource, confirmed the department sometimes must breach doors when occupants do not open for warrants.

Commissioners also asked whether other local agencies would be able to use the tool. The sheriff said it will be available to allied partners "when available and when it's deemed to be appropriate." Commissioner Fiore emphasized public-safety value, noting families who credit equipment in saving lives.

The motion to approve the purchase was made by Commissioner Bertino, seconded by Commissioner Fiore, and carried unanimously.