The rumbling six-ton green machine may look intimidating when its blue lights flash, but the end result is a safer end to a crisis, police say.
“It’s definitely not a hybrid,” Lt. David Roddy laughed as he sat Monday morning in the Lenco Bearcat at the Tennessee Riverpark pavilion talking with reporters.
The Chattanooga Police Department SWAT team commander pointed out features of the new $1.1 million machine paid for through a 100 percent U.S. Department of Justice grant to serve Chattanooga, Hamilton County, Red Bank, Soddy-Daisy and East Ridge.
The gas-powered armored personnel carrier seats 10-12 fully equipped SWAT members on cushioned seats complete with cup holders. It’s even got a CD player and MP3 input.