Armored MRAP Added to Hardin County Sheriff’s Fleet via Federal Equipment Program

The Hardin County Sheriff’s Office has a new piece of equipment.

It is a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected or MRAP vehicle.

The unit is completely armored for use in high-risk situations.

It was obtained at no charge to local taxpayers through the Federal Government’s 1033 program, which allows equipment owned by the federal government to be transferred to local governments at no charge.

Since its inception, the program has transferred equipment valued at over $7.6 billion based on Original Acquisition Value (OAV). In Fiscal Year 2022 alone, approximately $160 million (OAV) worth of equipment was conditionally transferred to participating law enforcement agencies.

The types of items requested through the program range from clothing, office supplies, and tools to rescue equipment, vehicles, and small arms.

Since the program began, less than 2% of all transferred equipment consists of small arms, and less than 1% are tactical vehicles.

To date, more than 8,800 law enforcement agencies have enrolled in the program.

The MRAP will not be used for daily operations or patrol as it is a specialized unit to be used for specific operations only.

Since Hardin County is not immune to crisis situations, this unit will help in keeping deputies and the public safe during high-risk events.

This unit is also available to all surrounding agencies that may have a need for it during a crisis situation.

If you have any questions regarding the MRAP please feel free to email either Sheriff Everhart at keverhart@hardinsheriff.com or Sgt. Kendrick Garmon at kgarmon@hardinsheriff.com.

More information on the 1033 program can be found here.