“Stutsman County was created by the 1872-73 territorial legislature and named for Enos Stutsman, who was born with Phocomelia (lacking arms or legs), but who nonetheless not only homesteaded, but became a powerful politician in the early days of the Dakota Territory. The county government was first organized on June 20, 1873,” Wikipedia reveals. “As of the 2010 census, the population was 21,100.” And now, one MRAP. “The newest vehicle in the fleet of the Stutsman County Sheriff’s Office is a low-mileage armored personnel carrier . . .
The 15-ton armor plated International MaxxPro MRAP [Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected] can carry officers for a variety of rescue and law enforcement missions, according to Chad Kaiser, Stutsman County sheriff . . . “You hope you don’t have to use it often,” he said. “But when you need it, you need it.”
And when you don’t, you don’t. And even though the feds give the ND Sherriff the MRAP for “free” (your tax money hard at work), the Country still have to pay for its upkeep. So let’s have a look at the rationale one more time . . .
The James Valley Special Operations Team is a regional organization of law enforcement officers that responds to situations involving armed or barricaded suspects in southeast North Dakota. The Special Operations Team currently has access to Bearcat vehicles based at Fargo, Bismarck, Minot and Grand Forks.
“The problem is that when firearms are fired at officers it takes hours to get those (Bearcat) vehicles here,” said Scott Edinger, Jamestown chief of police.
Kaiser said it is difficult for the SOT officers in Jamestown and Stutsman County to train with the Bearcats because of the vehicles’ locations. Having the MRAP based in Jamestown will allow officers to use it during training exercises . . .
“It is big and scary,” Edinger said. “It is meant for the protection of officers and civilians.”
C’mon Chief. Scaring people isn’t a bug! It’s a feature! [h/t DE]