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Hawthorne council authorizes request for MRAP from federal surplus after resident raises 'militarization' concerns
Summary
After a public commenter urged the council to delay a request for a mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicle, the Hawthorne Borough Council voted to authorize Resolution R192 to seek the MRAP through federal surplus; council members said the unit is free to acquire but can carry shipping and upkeep costs.
A resident’s public comment prompted a heated exchange before the Hawthorne Borough Council voted Dec. 7 to authorize a request for a mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicle from federal surplus.
Jack Lohr, a resident who identified himself from Van Winkle, asked the council to table Resolution R192 and allow time for public input, saying the vehicle’s size and appearance could create a perception of police “militarization.” “I don’t see the need for a mine resistant ambush protected vehicle,” Lohr said, pointing to the vehicle’s weight (he cited 15–24 tons) and the potential for road damage and tipping on hill roads with load limits.
Council members and staff pushed back that the resolution is an authorization to participate in a surplus-equipment program, not a purchase. The council president and other members said the police department initiated an internal request and state law requires a municipal resolution because accepting surplus property has a dollar value and must be authorized. One councilor noted other municipalities use similar vehicles for swift-water rescues and other nonoperational purposes.
Several council members acknowledged costs beyond acquisition, including shipping and long-term maintenance. “Technically, it comes for free, but it’ll cost us to stay,” one council member said during discussion.
After debate, the council moved the consent agenda, which included Resolution R192 (authorizing participation in surplus-equipment acquisition for a 2026 MRAP request). The motion carried on a roll-call vote.
What happens next: Resolution R192 authorizes the borough to participate in the federal surplus-equipment program and to accept an MRAP if it becomes available; shipping, storage and maintenance costs remain to be determined. The council did not adopt a formal public engagement process on R192 before voting; a public special meeting on affordable-housing litigation was scheduled separately for Dec. 22, 2025.
Quote selection: “So then all I would ask the council is to consider tabling this for a little opportunity for the public to become aware that we’re about to put in for a mine resistant ambush protected vehicle,” Jack Lohr said. The council responded that this is a police-initiated, internal request that requires municipal authorization.
Status and next steps: The resolution passed; the borough will move forward with the surplus-equipment process and will later address logistical and cost considerations if an MRAP becomes available.
