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Ocala
Friday, March 29, 2024

Ocala Police Department looking to purchase $204,000 supply vehicle for SWAT team

The Ocala Police Department is hoping that city officials will approve a request for the purchase of a new supply vehicle for its Special Weapons and Tactics team.

The SWAT team responds to numerous situations that go beyond the scope of on-duty officers, such as hostage situations, barricaded subjects, and search warrants. A supply vehicle is used to store and transport the necessary equipment that the SWAT officers require to perform their assigned tasks.

The current SWAT supply vehicle used by the OPD is a 19-year-old ambulance that was later converted to store SWAT equipment. According to the OPD, this vehicle requires daily repairs and maintenance.

MBF Industries, Inc., a Sanford-based company, is offering the OPD a custom-built Ford F-550 4×4 SWAT equipment vehicle for the price of $204,610. For comparison, another company provided the OPD with a price estimate of $285,000 for a similar vehicle.

Ocala Police Department seeking approval for purchase of new SWAT vehicle
A preliminary proposal drawing of the Ford F-550 4×4 SWAT supply vehicle (Photo courtesy of MBF Industries, Inc.)

City staff is recommending approval of the purchase from MBF Industries and the matter will be presented to council members for approval or denial during the regular Ocala City Council meeting on Tuesday, March 1.

The Ocala City Council meets at 4 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of every month at Ocala City Hall, which is located at 110 SE Watula Avenue.