Lt. Robert Hansen and a State Patrol Humvee. (click on photo to make larger)
The Iowa Department of Public Safety has added eight military style vehicles to its fleet.
The eight Humvees were acquired through a program which allows a transfer of military equipment to law enforcement agencies at no cost to the agency.
When the Iowa DPS is done using the Humvees, they’ll be returned to the military. Lieutenant Robert Hansen says the Humvees are still being outfitted.
“The equipment that we’ve used to outfit the (Humvees) as emergency vehicles comes from patrol vehicles that we’ve retired. Due to our new patrol car fleet of Dodges, it’s equipment that we couldn’t have reused,” Hansen says.
“In addition to that, there’s some minor maintenance and then painting so they match our fleet.” The State Patrol Division will use the Humvees during blizzards, flooding, tornadoes, and other disasters.
Hansen says the division’s Safety Education Unit will also use the Humvees occasionally to promote traffic safety initiatives. The vehicles will be deployed throughout the summer around the state.
Hansen says the Humvees will be stationed in Des Moines, Council Bluffs, Spencer, Mason City, Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids, and Stockton.
Audio: Lt. Hanson talks about Humvees. 3:06.