Sheriff wins approval to replace truck after mechanical failure; commissioners question upfit costs

Cumberland County commissioners approved a capital purchase July 23 to replace a sheriff’s office truck that suffered a mechanical failure in 2024 and was originally scheduled for replacement in 2026.

Sheriff Brian Ward told commissioners the vehicle failure was not worth repairing and that the truck — equipped for towing and trailer duties important to the sheriff’s operations — is needed. He said much of the additional cost over a typical vehicle is for "upfitting," the specialized equipment and radio work needed for law enforcement vehicles.

Ward said the vendor market for upfitting is limited locally and that most municipal departments rely on a small number of firms for long-term maintenance and upgrades. Commissioners moved and seconded the purchase and approved it unanimously.

The sheriff’s office will coordinate purchase and upfitting schedules with vendors; county staff said the purchase replaces a like-for-like vehicle and will proceed as a capital project.