Cookeville Police Unveil New Armored Vehicle

The Cookeville Police Department will officially showcase its new Terradyne Armored Rescue Vehicle at Pop Power Saturday.

Major Scott Winfree said the vehicle is designed to provide cover to injured civilians or officers during a violent crime. He said if an officer if wounded during a hostage situation with a perpetrator barricaded in a structure, the vehicle can cover the compromised officer while medical assistance is administered.

“We’re very excited about it,” Winfree said. “Because, like I said, it provides protections for the officer. If, at any time, we’re having to approach a, you know, an armed subject, it provides those officers protection.”

Winfree said the vehicle was paid for through a state Violent Crime Intervention Funding grant. Residents can come get an up-close look at the truck on Saturday at the Touch a Truck Extravaganza at the Putnam County Fairgrounds.

“As a department, we are very fortunate to have it and we’re glad to have it,” Winfree said.