Jerry McBride\/Durango Herald<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>While most people tend to think of military equipment as tanks and advanced weaponry, Smith tends to look for equipment that has a more utilitarian use to the department. Since serving as sheriff, Smith has acquired bicycles, canine kennels, cold-weather equipment, portable lights, rafts, scuba equipment and trailers.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re not out there looking for everything we can to make us look like the military,\u201d Smith said. \u201cIt can actually be civilian equipment that the military is giving away that\u2019s very useful to us. We\u2019re out there looking for things to help us do our job better for the citizens.\u201d<\/p>\n
In the last 3\u00bd years, the Sheriff\u2019s Office has acquired about $300,000 of military equipment free of charge. The only cost to the department is shipping costs and repairs needed to adjust the equipment to fit the department\u2019s specific needs. La Plata County Road and Bridge assists with mechanics on the vehicles, Smith said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is 100 percent free here,\u201d Smith said. \u201cThe cost is getting it here and fixing it. My theory is the federal taxpayers have already paid for it. Why should the local taxpayers have to pay for it if we can get it for free?\u201d<\/p>\n
Some equipment comes broken, while others arrive scarcely used. If the equipment isn\u2019t functional, the department salvages what parts it can to be used on another vehicle. Smith typically orders more than one of the same piece of equipment to increase the odds they\u2019ll be able to use all the parts to create a functional machine.<\/p>\n
\u201cSometimes, I order two of something to make sure I get one that can work,\u201d Smith said. \u201cYou never know what kind of condition it\u2019s going to be in.\u201d<\/p>\n
For example, the department recently ordered four all-terrain vehicles with the hopes it could use two of them. However, all four ATVs needed only minor repairs and had few miles on them, Smith said.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor about a $10,000 investment in repairs and decal, I have four vehicles that normally run $15,000 to $20,000 by themselves,\u201d Smith said.<\/p>\n
Smith recognized the need to have ATVs at the ready during the search for Dylan Redwine in late 2012. Deputies had to use their personal ATVs or borrow from friends to search the rough terrain, costing the department valuable time.<\/p>\n
Sgt. Bobbie Fender drives the La Plata County Sheriff\u2019s Office rescue truck during recent floods north of Hermosa.<\/span>Jerry McBride\/Durango Herald<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>Before the 416 Fire and flooding events compromised Smith\u2019s time, he would spend about 30 minutes every morning searching the site for specific needs.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m pretty active on it,\u201d Smith said. \u201cIt\u2019s such a good deal and can be super beneficial to us.\u201d<\/p>\n
The MRAP, dubbed Rescue 1 by the department, was acquired in September 2013 before Smith became sheriff. The flooding incident is the first time the vehicle has been used for a rescue mission; primarily, it has been used by local SWAT teams.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe call it a rescue vehicle because that\u2019s our true intent,\u201d said Sgt. Bobbie Fender. \u201cWe want to help the citizens of La Plata County with whatever we can, whether it be a fire or a mudslide or whatever.\u201d<\/p>\n
When the department acquired the vehicle, it had around 5,300 miles on it and was worth around $800,000, Fender said. The only costs to the department were to disable the offensive capabilities of the vehicle and decal it with the Sheriff\u2019s Office emblem.<\/p>\n
Despite the fact that the vehicle has a turret on top, Rescue 1 has no offensive capabilities. The turret has been disabled, and the vehicle has been modified to serve as a rescue vehicle, including installing benches in the interior to safely transport people.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a vital thing that we definitely need,\u201d Fender said. \u201cHaving access to that type of vehicle that we can fit 15 to 20 people in it immediately and move them off site to a safer location is pretty much priceless.\u201d<\/p>\n
One of two 2001 Chevrolet Kodiak C7500 trucks used during recent flooding events to evacuate residents from the mudslides. The vehicles were obtained by the La Plata County Sheriff\u2019s Office through a military surplus program.<\/span>Alex Semadeni\/Durango Herald<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>Smith ordered the two Chevy trucks in August 2017. They were used last month during three flooding events around the 416 Fire burn area. Deputies packed in a minivan and drove to California to pick up the trucks. Both trucks ended up being in good condition, needing only a few minor repairs.<\/p>\n
After the 416 Fire, the trucks were moved to a location in Hermosa in preparation for the floods.<\/p>\n
The trucks have mainly been used to carry heavy rafts and boats for trainings, Smith said. The department purchased Zodiac rafts in case the county ever sees a severe flooding event with standing water, and the trucks were the only vehicles the department had that could carry them.<\/p>\n
So far, the rafts have been used only for training.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut we have them in case we need them,\u201d Smith said. \u201cWith the recent flooding, you never know. It\u2019s better to be prepared.\u201d<\/p>\n
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