ZANESVILLE− Exciting developments are on the horizon for Zanesville’s Municipal Airport and Police Department. The Zanesville Municipal Airport will soon see new safety measures, while the Zanesville Police Department is set to receive a cutting-edge special response squad vehicle.
For over a decade, the police department has had to make do with a black-painted, commercial-grade ambulance as a special response vehicle. However, with the need for a more efficient solution, the department will now have its own specially designed armored vehicle to safely transport personnel and civilians whilst also providing protection in high-risk situations.
Police Chief Scott Comstock announced at a recent city council meeting, “This vehicle allows for an eight-man team to roll right up to the front door, and, if they’re taking fire, they’re going to be secure.”
The armored vehicle comes with a price tag of approximately $275,000, funded by the police budget through drug forfeitures, along with an $80,000 allocation from the prosecutor’s office specifically designated for this project, with no tax money being utilized. According to Comstock, the building process is expected to take around a year from the date of order, and bidding for the project will commence soon.
Due to the lack of armor on the existing vehicle, it is unable to withstand bullets or provide secure transportation during hostage situations, making the new addition a vital asset for both public safety and officer protection. Detective Mike Patrick emphasized the urgent need for such a vehicle, citing previous instances where their current resources fell short in high-risk scenarios.
Furthermore, the Zanesville Police Department saw the necessity for such a vehicle arise from various incidents in recent years, including a mental health crisis situation wherein an armored vehicle played a crucial role in ensuring a peaceful resolution.
Notably, the average lifespan of a special response vehicle is approximately 15 years, and it is expected to be utilized in 30 to 40 incidents annually by the police department.
Municipal Airport
Safety also takes precedence at the Municipal Airport as the city council passed an emergency ordinance to undertake vital runway improvements, including repaving and expansion, as well as the addition of new beacons as part of the Airport Entrance Road Reconstruction Project and the Airport Reconstruct Runway 4/22 REIL’s and Beacon Project. With 90% of the project costs covered by the Federal Aviation Administration, 5% by Ohio’s Department of Transportation, and the remaining 5% by the city, these essential upgrades are set to enhance airport safety and functionality. The estimated cost for each project is approximately $200,000, with anticipated completion six months from the start date, expected to commence next year.
