Thursday, February 6, 2025

APD gets approval for new radar, armor plating

Posted

AZLE — During the Jan. 21 Azle City Council meeting, the Azle Police Department received approval to seek two justice assistance grants. The first grant, for $32,000, will be used to fund the purchase of eight vehicle-mounted radar units. The second, for $10,000, will be used to purchase rifle-resistant body armor plates. Cpl. Mike Winterrowd pitched the two items to the Azle City Council.

The APD has used similar grants to purchase a crime scene scanner, shields, body armor, a drug burn barrel and other items in the recent past. The city will pay the initial costs for these items and receive reimbursement from the state of Texas after Oct. 1.

Winterrowd and Sgt. Jordan MacQuarrie demonstrated that the new armor plates will not only provide greater protection, they will also take about 10 pounds off the 60-or-so pounds of gear officers often carry and save officers time in active shooter situation. The armor plates, Winterrowd said, can be slipped into the pockets of a normal police vest and worn all the time instead of having officers change into bulkier armor.

“Armor technology has gotten us to a point we can actually be a lot more comfortable in our jobs,” Winterrowd said.

The council unanimously voted to approve the purchase of both items.