Whitman County SWAT adds MRAP vehicle

The Whitman County Sheriff's Office has officially rolled out its newest tactical vehicle, designed to provide increased safety for the community, and SWAT team members, when responding to high risk situations.

The Sheriff's Office applied for the vehicle through the 1033 LESO Program (Government Surplus) as a replacement to its current aging armored personnel vehicle, a 1978 Peacekeeper.

The Sheriff's Office was awarded the vehicle, a 2010 MRAP in July, and has been customizing it for the needs and use of the local SWAT team. Members of the Sheriff's Office have been working to paint and modify the vehicle to include emergency lighting, radio and communication systems and additional protective equipment.

Additionally, the initials JRD have been placed on the hood of the vehicle, in memory of Deputy Justin DeRosier, a Cowlitz County deputy sheriff who was killed in the line of duty last April. DeRosier previously served as Whitman County Sheriff's deputy and a member of the Whitman County SWAT team.

The Whitman County Regional SWAT team serves the entire county and region during high risk situations and is comprised of members from the Sheriff's Office, Pullman Police Department and WSU Police Department.