Yesterday at Dickey Park in Amherst, the Amherst Police Department and first responders from near and far came together for the community’s annual Police Week Celebration Day, including a special handover ceremony.
The event featured games, tasty treats, and first responder vehicles of many kinds for kids and adults alike to explore. One such vehicle was the Amherst Police Department’s Safe Approach and Rescue Vehicle, also known as the SARV.
Pictured beside APD’s new Safe Approach and Rescue Vehicle are APD Chief Dwayne Pike, Mayor Rob Small, APD Sergeant Aaron Graham, and Darrell Coffin of GardaWorld.
Three years ago, a process began to accept an offer from GardaWorld, which provides decommissioned armoured transport vehicles to municipalities and law enforcement agencies at very low cost to support public and first responder safety during high-risk situations.
Just how low was the cost to purchase this new equipment? Mayor Small completed the transaction last night by transferring the agreed-upon amount of $2.40 to Darrell Coffin, Regional Vice President – Atlantic and Western Canada with GardaWorld.
Mayor Small shared: “This vehicle is about protection and public safety. It does not change the community-focused approach to policing we value here in Amherst – it simply ensures that officers and emergency partners have the tools they need to respond safely and effectively when serious situations arise.”
