Chief asks for funding to fix armored vehicle

3/8/2006

Toledo police Chief Jack Smith has asked City Council for $25,545 to repair an armored personnel carrier the department acquired at no cost.

Chief Smith said the APC, an M113, needs new tracks that can be used on city streets. He said the tracks would be purchased from BAE Systems, a national armaments manufacturer.

An ordinance to appropriate the money was introduced in council yesterday and could be voted on Tuesday.

The former Army carrier was acquired for free last year from a surplus military equipment source. It will not be equipped with any weapons.

The carrier, which holds 11 passengers plus the driver, could be useful in getting officers close in a hostage or shooting situation, he said.