Newberg Police Acquire Armored Vehicle for Rescue Operations

NEWBERG, Ore.—The Newberg-Dundee Police Department (NDPD) has acquired an armored vehicle through a government surplus program, enhancing its ability to respond to high-risk situations and protect both officers and civilians.

The vehicle, originally valued at $672,000, was obtained at no cost to the department on the condition that it be used solely for rescue purposes. This acquisition is part of a broader initiative to repurpose military equipment for civilian law enforcement use.

“This equipment will provide a significant layer of protection for citizens or officers if we need to respond to an active shooter event or other catastrophic situations requiring real-time rescue and evacuation,” said NDPD Public Information Officer Sgt. Brian Hagen.

The armored vehicle is designed to transport several officers and equipment while offering protection against pistol and rifle fire. Its primary function is to enhance safety during high-risk operations, such as active shooter scenarios or situations involving armed suspects, Hagen said.

Recent incidents in the area underscore the potential value of such equipment, he added. In October 2021, Newberg-Dundee police responded to reports of a man firing a handgun indiscriminately in a residential neighborhood. Officers were unable to safely apprehend the suspect at the time due to limited protective equipment.

The suspect was later located by a U.S. Marshal at a truck stop in Marion County, where he fired on law enforcement, injuring an officer before being fatally shot.

“We can only guess what the result of an elevated confrontation would have been with that suspect back here in Newberg,” Hagen said.

The armored vehicle was deployed on Friday, Sept. 6, in response to a Yamhill County Sheriff’s call about an armed person barricaded in their home. The incident was resolved without requiring the use of the vehicle.

“Specifically, any incident where bullets have been fired or there is a significant risk that bullets will be fired at citizens or officers responding to a scene, this vehicle could play a role in conducting a rescue,” Hagen said. He cited examples like school shootings, officer-down calls, and domestic violence shooting incidents.

Despite its military origins, the vehicle has been modified for civilian use. The police department stresses that military functionalities like computers, radios, and weapons have been disabled, in line with the program’s guidelines for repurposing such equipment.

“It is our hope this vehicle will only ever be used in parades, public demonstrations, or training scenarios,” Hagen said. “But it will be a welcome piece of equipment to keep us and the public safer when an extreme or violent event unfolds in our area.”

NDPD plans to use the vehicle primarily for rescue operations, active shooter responses, and high-risk warrant services, Hagen said. He emphasized that it will not be deployed for routine patrols or low-risk situations.

Hagen also noted that while the vehicle is “very easy to drive and operate intuitively,” NDPD will establish a driver training program due to the size of the vehicle, potential blind spots, and its different center of gravity compared to traditional vehicles.

Learn more on the NDPD Facebook page.