Funding for the vehicle was secured by Congressman Mike Kelly
Mayor Joe Schember, Erie Police Department (EPD) Chief Dan Spizarny, and EPD SWAT Commander Steve Deluca, today unveiled the City’s new Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Rapid Deployment Regional Command Vehicle. Also present was Ashley Franklin, Director of Outreach and Grants for Congressman Mike Kelly, on behalf of the Congressman.
Congressman Kelly sponsored the Congressional appropriation request that was essential for the City to be able to purchase the vehicle. The City applied for this funding in 2024 to directly benefit SWAT operations by securing a primary command and equipment transport vehicle. Due to lack of funds, Erie SWAT lacked a reliable command post with modern technology to centralize the team’s operations and effectively transport all its available tools and equipment to fulfill its mission.
The new vehicle is a 2025 Mercedes Sprinter van that has a diesel engine, a dual rear wheel, connected internet, surround camera system, a weapons’ safe, plenty of storage, and seating for 10 fully-outfitted SWAT team operators. It replaces a 28-year-old 1997 Van used to transport SWAT team operators to SWAT callouts, drug raids, special events, trainings, and to deploy SWAT on surveillance operations, warrant sweeps, and other special events.
The van is outfitted with technological advancements not previously available to the SWAT Team. This includes an on-board computer, which is important during SWAT callouts to give the team necessary immediate access to crucial real time surveillance, photos, internet, and the connection to the 911 center. t has a built in WIFI system and the vehicle can hook up to a nearby electric source to reduce dependence on the engine.
This van was funded through a $373,000 Congressionally Directed Appropriation sponsored by Congressman Kelly, through Department of Justice Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Technology account.
Mayor Schember stated: “We are very grateful to Congressman Kelly and his staff for helping the City secure the funding to purchase the SWAT Rapid Deployment Regional Command Vehicle. Congressman Kelly has long supported the public safety equipment needs of the City of Erie Police Department, and we greatly appreciate his continued support.”
“This project is a great example of true, physical infrastructure that will serve the City of Erie and our local communities,” said Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA). “When my team and I reviewed applications for projects such as this, we wanted to give local taxpayers the best return on their investment. I believe the Erie Regional SWAT Command Vehicle will do just that.”
Erie SWAT Team’s mission is to handle high-risk operations in a manner that reduces the chance of violence, injury, and death. SWAT consists of 25 officers who maintain a Tier 1 rating and standards set by the National Tactical Officers Association. Some of Northwest Pennsylvania’s most dangerous situations require SWAT to arrive on-scene rapidly and well-prepared for a variety of emergency scenarios. Erie SWAT serves the 450,000 residents of Crawford, Erie, Forest, Venango, and Warren Counties, as well as the City of Erie. It also has mutual aid agreements with an additional 13 counties in Region 13, serving more than 3 million people in the Pittsburgh Region.
This vehicle will enable the Erie SWAT team to more efficiently and effectively operate in an emergency setting while saving lives, protecting, and serving the 3.5 million residents in Regions 2 and 13.
This SWAT regional command vehicle will also help to foster community policing as it will be featured at neighborhood events like National Night Out and large-scale local events like CelebrateErie. The vehicle will serve as a conversation piece while officers have the opportunity to talk with residents about what EPD does to keep them safe.
