Ringgold adds 2 military Humvees to police fleet

RINGGOLD, Ga. — As Police Chief Dan Bilbrey peers through the bulletproof windshield of the black and white Humvee on Wednesday afternoon, cars slow and people stare at the word "POLICE" freshly painted on the hood.

The department's two decked-out black and white Humvees will be used as 4-wheel-drive vehicles in emergencies and at parades, local events and schools.

But the pair of military surplus Humvees added to the Ringgold police force last week have provoked a local commotion in the town of 3,500. Some question the need for the six-ton steel vehicles at a time when money is tight.

"Everybody is broke, and they are riding around in [Humvees]. That doesn't make sense," said Joshua Ware, a local roofer.

Bilbrey said since the vehicles were free and they will only be used in special circumstances, they won't be a financial burden on the department. He instead sees the Humvees as a way to be prepared in any emergency.
A $3,000 private grant paid for upgrades -- including blue lights and safety equipment. Rick Worley & Son Automotive donated supplies and labor for the paint job, Bilbrey said.

Read More. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)