Texas Border Business
PHARR, TEXAS – South Texas College in conjunction with the Edinburg Police Department invites local media to tour the newly modernized SWAT vehicle Nov. 20, 2019.
The Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) SWAT vehicle was issued to the Edinburg P.D. from the US Military by the Law Enforcement Support Office (LESO).
The SWAT vehicle that was not in use prior to the project is now accessible after ongoing renovations by STC’s Architectural & Engineering Design Technology, Automotive/ Diesel, Advanced Manufacturing, and Welding programs.
The retrofitting project has allowed STC students to gain hands-on experience by applying their knowledge of technology in a real-world project.
Edinburg Police Chief Cesar Torres welcomed the partnership.
“I chose STC for this project due to working with STC in the past and getting to know Dean Mario Reyna,” said Torres. “It is the Edinburg Police Department’s honor to have younger students be part of this.”
The new improvements include new skirt rails for team members to stand on, bench seats to replace the less space-efficient bucket seats, a new A/C system, and a front push ram.
The SWAT vehicle will be used for high-risk SWAT operations that pose a potential risk to the citizens of Edinburg, other cities that summon assistance, and South Texas College upon request for learning purposes.
Representatives from South Texas College and the Edinburg P.D. will be available that day for interview opportunities.
