The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce a new addition to their organization – it’s a mine-resistant ambush protection military vehicle (MRAP) that recently arrived from Camp Shelby in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

That vehicle weighs in at more than 22 tons and features armor plating that can withstand rounds from a 50-caliber machine gun.

According to the Anniston Star, the MRAP (as its known) – is one of only seven such vehicles in the state. 

The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office requested the MRAP from the U.S. Department of Defense Law Enforcement Support Office in Battle Creek Michigan in September of last year (2012); due to its heavy armor, deputies will be able to use it during search and rescue operations and hostage situations along with criminal investigations.

Including the MRAP the Calhoun County Sheriffs Office currently has five Humvees along with two armed personnel carriers, three tractors, two trailers and a variety of other surplus equipment obtained through the government’s 1033 Program.

During the search for Carla Cook Fuqua – the Sheriff’s Office used a Humvee to assist Piedmont Police, and prior to that – used an armed personnel carrier to assist Anniston Police in the capture of Joshua Russell, later convicted in the shooting death of Police Officer Justin Sollohub.

(Anniston Star/www.annistonstar.com)