SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- It's sad to say that school shootings, riots, and bombings happen in this world, but if anyone needs to be prepared for them it's law enforcement. The South Portland Police Department acquired an armored vehicle this year to help protect it's community and they're not alone.
Earlier this year a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected truck, known as an MRAP, became the newest addition to the South Portland Police Department's parking lot. The truck is able to withstand massive explosions and is also fire resistant because of its outer shell design. Benjamin Macisso, an officer with the department, is one of the few officers there who are licensed to drive the MRAP.
"It's a really comforting feeling knowing that any kind of threat somebody poses against you, you're going to be protected against," said Officer Macisso.
Valued at an estimated $680,000, South Portland Chief of Police Ed Googins is proud to say that the MRAP cost the city nothing thanks to the Department of Defense. At a time when many citizens might feel uneasy seeing an MRAP driving down their street, Chief Googins says it's purpose is to save lives and not to take them.
"A number of the top ten potential terrorist targets in the State of Maine are right here in South Portland, so being the chief you have to think about these things," said Chief Googins.
In addition to the MRAP vehicle in South Portland there are six others like it in Maine. The Brunswick, Sanford and Old Orchard Beach Police Departments all have an armored truck, as well as the sheriff's departments in Cumberland, Franklin, and Oxford Counties.
