Vendors pitch vehicle upfitting and ballistic vehicle armoring; court approves Axon body cameras

Representatives from Dana Safety Supply told the commissioners that modern police upfitting has grown beyond lights and sirens and now requires certified technicians and logistics to deliver turnkey vehicles. Jeremy Ross, Dana’s outside sales representative for West Texas, and Michael Jones (regional sales manager) described their Lubbock facility, their role as authorized installers for Axon and Motorola equipment, and their nationwide upfitting capacity. They highlighted Ballistec vehicle armoring as a product to protect officers in ambush scenarios and said they would research available grants; during the presentation Dana representatives referenced state funds of about $5,000,000 slated for distribution beginning March 1 to support protective equipment purchases.

Commissioners asked about grant opportunities and compatibility with other vendors; speakers said they can coordinate with existing partners. No procurement decisions were made during the presentation.

Later on the agenda the court considered a contract to purchase Axon body cameras for warrant service investigators. The warrant services representative said the department has budgeted the first year’s costs and county legal staff had reviewed the contract with a requested change outstanding. Commissioners voted to approve the purchase and directed staff to finalize the contract once the vendor returns the corrected paperwork.

The presentations emphasized vendor capacity and product options; the board approved the body‑camera purchase subject to final contract execution.