Holland Police armored vehicle
HOLLAND, Mich. (WZZM) - A former military vehicle will now be shielding Holland police officers in high-risk situations. The police department received two Humvees last summer after applying to the military surplus program.
One of the armored vehicles was given to the Kent County Sheriff's Department. A number of private companies helped transform the other vehicle so that it could be used by police officers.
Holland Police Chief Matt Messer says the new vehicle is a big improvement.
"Right now, we use these small ballistic shields, three-foot wide by five-foot tall, this takes the place of those, much more mobile, and gives us the opportunity to communicate, negotiate with someone, to get them out of a house instead of making entry," says Chief Messer.
Holland Police tactical teams have been training with the armored vehicle for months and it's already been used to execute a search warrant.