SWAMPSCOTT — The police department purchased a new Can-Am utility terrain vehicle (UTV) thanks to a $30,000 grant from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. According to a Facebook post from the department, Massachusetts State Representative Jenny Armini (D-Marblehead) and State Senator Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn) helped secure the grant.
The UTV will have many benefits, the department said.
“Most importantly, we will have the ability to patrol all parts of the Town more effectively than ever before,” the Facebook post said. “The UTV will allow for quicker response times in all areas, especially those that are usually difficult to reach such as beaches, wooded areas, and the Rail Trail.”
The vehicle is also able to store necessary patrol gear and medical supplies.
The UTV will also be beneficial for event patrol, as Swampscott hosts many events throughout the year.
“These events, beaches, and parks attract substantial crowds and currently, our officers are only able to patrol many of these areas by mountain bike or on foot,” the Police Department wrote in a statement to The Item.
“The UTV will be used year-round, not only for summer events,” the statement added. “The UTV is compatible with snowplow attachments to be used during winter months. This will be useful to the department, especially when patrolling wooded or more condense areas during snowstorms.”
In a Facebook post, Crighton thanked Police Chief Ruben Quesada and Sgt. Jay Locke for having him and Armini come to the department to see the UTV.
“I’m proud to have helped secure funding for this important resource that will help our officers keep our community safe,” Crighton said.
