(Lawrenceville, Ga., Jan. 5, 2010) - Gwinnett commissioners Tuesday approved replacing a nearly 20-year-old equipment truck for the Gwinnett Police SWAT team. The highly-specialized, heavy-duty vehicle will have a modular design so it can carry current and future equipment. Funds from the Federal Law Enforcement Account, seized from criminals by federal agents, will cover almost $139,000 of the total cost of $439, 693. The truck will be built by Marion Body Works, inc. of Marion, Wis.

"The old truck is getting increasingly expensive to maintain, and it can?t accommodate our newest electronic equipment like pole cameras and robots," said SWAT Team Commander Maj. Tom Doran. The new truck will feature interior and exterior storage compartments, a loading ramp and a heavy-duty generator capable of powering all current equipment. Plans were approved by representatives from police, fleet maintenance, and fire and emergency services.

"Public safety is our top priority right now," said Commission Chairman Charles Bannister. "This long-overdue expenditure is badly needed and will be used throughout the county to support potentially deadly and dangerous law enforcement operations."