Sheriff, regional tactical team seek county funding to replace aging armored vehicle

Sheriff Matthew English and members of the Northern Oregon Regional Tactical Team told Hood River County commissioners on May 20 that the team's current tactical truck, from the 1980s, is mechanically unreliable and not rated to protect against rifles. The sheriff and team leaders said the vehicle's limitations have hampered responses and cited at least one incident when the truck would not start.

Sheriff English described the regional team — formed in 2020 from local tactical units — as responding to roughly 8–10 callouts annually, with about 75% of calls occurring in Hood River County. Sgt. Dave Stefanini outlined the team's use of mostly less‑lethal tools aimed at de‑escalation and said vehicle reliability and armor rating are operational priorities.

Undersheriff James Berget and the sheriff said the three participating counties (Gilliam, Sherman and Hood River) intend to partner on a BatX armored vehicle; the agencies would share costs pending approval from each county's governing body. The precise county contribution was unclear: staff budget materials referenced a $70,000 request, the sheriff described a "worst‑case" $97,000 figure, and county staff later characterized the request range as $70,000–$74,000. Commissioners requested a fuller budget breakdown and asked the sheriff to engage the public to explain the need for the vehicle.

Commissioner Babitz pressed for clearer community outreach; Commissioner Moretti asked whether the vehicle could be used for revenue‑generating contracts with other jurisdictions. Sheriff English said the counties already provide reciprocal assistance under existing MOUs and that ongoing maintenance would be a recurring cost for participating agencies.

No formal action was taken at the May 20 meeting; commissioners asked staff and the sheriff to return with a more detailed budget and funding plan before any appropriation.