WCSO requests to apply for grant to fund marine vessel

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — The Warren County Sheriff’s Office appeared before the Board of Supervisors to request permission to apply for a grant to fund a new marine vessel for increased water patrol.

Warren County Chief Deputy Sheriff Bobby Stewart approached the BOS at the regal meeting held Monday and explained the proposal.

The office is seeking permission to apply for a grant which would fund 75 percent of the purchase with the county only needing to match 25 percent. The purchase would include a 28-foot Silver Ship vessel and the trailer for ground transportation.

“It comes with all the equipment. It comes with FLIR, radiological, thermal imaging, sonar, the latest and greatest technology of all,” said Stewart. “This will increase our capability to patrol and respond to incidents on the river and Eagle Lake.”

The total cost would be $429,158, but the county would only be responsible for $107,289.50.

Vice President of the Board of Supervisors Edward Herring asked if the funds would need to come from the coming year’s budget, and Stewart confirmed that was the case.

Stewart said once the office submits the grant application, they would know if it was approved within 30 to 45 days. He also said the turnaround time on receiving the vessel would be approximately 18 months.

The request was approved by the Board.