Police, fire obtain $182,000 in equipment
Department of Defense program offers items at no cost to city
NEW EQUIPMENT — The Presque Isle Police and Fire departments recently obtained over $182,000 in unused or discontinued military equipment, free of charge, through a U.S. Department of Defense program that gives first dibs on outdated equipment to law enforcement agencies across the country. Pictured are some of the many items both departments garnered through the program, including new computer equipment, camera and clothing.
By Kathy McCarty
PRESQUE ISLE — Local police and firefighters have acquired thousands of dollars of equipment and other items, at no cost to the taxpayer, thanks to a U.S. Department of Defense program that allows law enforcement agencies across the nation to obtain discarded wares from military installations throughout the country.
Presque Isle Police Chief Matt Irwin and Fire Chief Darrell White were on the road in February and March, traveling to bases in Pennsylvania and Virginia to pick up a wide selection of goods. The only stipulation was whatever they obtained had to be used for public safety.
“We acquired everything from computer equipment still in the box to photo copiers, clothing and blankets,” said Irwin. “The only cost involved was about $800 in travel expenses — motel and meals. The rest was free.”
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
A NEW LEXMARK printer/fax/scanner is pictured — one of five such machines acquired by the Presque Isle Police and Fire departments through a U.S. Department of Defense program that allows law enforcement agencies to obtain unwanted equipment from military bases across the nation. 
Irwin said the U.S. government performs upgrades on a regular basis, be it newer computers, clothing and the like. Older items still in stock at bases nationwide are then made available to agencies like the PIPD — a program he’s grateful is in place.
“This is a special program through the Department of Defense whereby when the department no longer needs this stuff, law enforcement gets the first crack at it. Then if law enforcement doesn’t want it, it works its way down the chain,” said Irwin.
“We were able to obtain about $182,000 worth of merchandise at no expense to our taxpayers. My last trip was to Fort Meade, Pa., and Richmond, Va.,” said Irwin.
While most of the acquired property will be used by police and firefighters, some will be distributed through other city offices for use in some aspect of safety, he said a few items were being donated to Homeless Services of Aroostook and Aroostook Agency on Aging.
“Some of the blankets can be used at the fire station and at public works — places crews have to stay overnight. But some of the clothing and blankets will be shared with the homeless and elderly in the area, to keep them warm and safe from the cold in winter,” he said.
Irwin said he first heard of the program last fall through the Caribou Police Department.
“Caribou’s been doing this for some time now. We got the information from them on how to go about obtaining unused and outdated items from the military,” said the chief.
The largest item picked up from the military was a 24-horse John Deere tractor. Irwin said they also obtained a 12-passenger Econoline van that they’re letting the homeless shelter use.
“We’re making an effort to work closer with these groups — HSA, management at Helen Noreen apartments, the Agency on Aging. We’re looking at them as a whole and how law enforcement relates to each,” said Irwin.
The list of items brought back to Presque Isle includes: blankets, shirts, fleece shirts, 19 laptops, cots, first aid kits, five printer/fax/scanners and a camera.
“The PIFD was able to pick up two defibrilators/monitors valued at $35,000 each,” said Irwin.
Irwin credited a sergeant at the CPD for making him aware of the program.
“Sgt. Paul Vincent was instrumental in providing us with the information we needed to get involved in this program. He helped us a lot and deserves the credit,” said Irwin.
