Emergency Response Truck On Call For Prairie Grove Police

LYNN KUTTER ENTERPRISE-LEADER Prairie Grove Police Chief Chris Workman, left, and Sgt. Tim Standifer stand in front of the department’s new emergency response vehicle.
LYNN KUTTER ENTERPRISE-LEADER Prairie Grove Police Chief Chris Workman, left, and Sgt. Tim Standifer stand in front of the department’s new emergency response vehicle.

PRAIRIE GROVE -- Prairie Grove Police Department now has its own emergency response vehicle with medical supplies and other equipment available to help officers when responding to certain situations.

The department was able to get the vehicle and all supplies in it through the federal 1033 Program. The program allows law enforcement agencies to apply to receive excess supplies and equipment from the U.S. Department of Defense.

Chief Chris Workman said the 1033 Program is not just about getting armored vehicles but gives Prairie Grove the opportunity to pick up equipment and supplies the department cannot afford.

Prairie Grove is more likely to have a major tornado or other natural disaster to deal with, as compared to incidents that occur in larger cities, Workman added.

The emergency response vehicle has enough medical supplies to treat multiple people. Equipment and supplies on it include a defibrillator, emergency thermal blankets, hazmat suits and breathing masks, hydration supplies, a poleless litter that could be used to carry someone and a sleep unit system with tents and sleeping bags.

Other equipment includes water jugs and basic extraction tools, such as a chainsaw, and a full lighting system that could be used for crime scenes. Workman also says he plans to put a large generator and air compressor on the truck.

Workman said the truck will not be used as a SWAT type vehicle but to respond to many different types of incidents.

"If we have a major disaster, we're the first ones on the scene," Workman said. "It will be nice to use some of this."

Police officers have participated in CPR and first aid medical classes and also have gone to training sessions with the fire department. They will attend additional classes to receive training on using the equipment.

Equipment and supplies received through the 1033 Program are free to the department. Law enforcement agencies can apply for the program and have to explain why they need the items.

The program is first come, first served and Prairie Grove is competing against agencies across the country for the equipment. Departments pay a $500 annual fee to be members in the program.

Sgt. Tim Standifer said Prairie Grove has received other items through the program, including a pickup truck, two off-road vehicles and many defibrillators. The plan is to have a defibrillator in all police vehicles.

The emergency response vehicle probably would have cost more than $60,000-$70,000 new and Workman said he estimates supplies and equipment on the vehicle would have cost the department about $10,000.

"This will work perfect for us," Workman said.

General News on 05/03/2017