Lake County commissioners defer contract vote to upfit sheriff's SWAT vehicle

Chicago Tribune

23-06-2025

The Lake County Board of Commissioners recently deferred a sheriff's department request to upfit a SWAT Unit van as the members raised questions about its purchase.
The Lake County Sheriff's Department requested a 2024 Ford Transit Cargo Van in its SWAT Unit to be upfitted by Tillman's Vehicle Accessories for $67,360.79. The other quotes that came in were from 10-75 Emergency Vehicles for $77,316, Summit Bodyworks for $129,000, and EVI for $148,249.
Board president Commissioner Mike Repay, D-3rd, said it made sense to go with the lowest bidder, but he raised questions about when the vehicle was purchased.
'I would like to get to the beginning of it,' Repay said.
Commissioner Jerry Tippy, R-2nd, asked how the vehicle was purchased. Chief Vince Balbo said the funds for the vehicle came from the state forfeiture accounts for approximately $74,000, but couldn't recall when the van was purchased.
In response to the Post-Tribune, Lake County Sheriff Oscar Martinez said the vehicle was purchased in January 2024. The van will assist the department's operations division with law enforcement and search and rescue operations, as well as a standalone vehicle for transport, communications and coordination, Martinez said.
In a May letter to the commissioners, Martinez wrote the vehicle should be upfitted to enhance officer safety, like protective lighting to improve personnel security, and boost operational efficiency, like its equipment with communication systems to help with coordinated responses.
Additionally, the upfitted vehicle would strengthen community trust by displaying the department's 'commitment to preparedness, enhancing public confidence,' Martinez said. Upfitting the vehicle would also increase its long-term value by reducing the need for future maintenance costs and extend its service life, he said.
'This asset is essential to enhancing the Lake County Sheriff's Departments tactical response capabilities, ensuring officer safety, and strengthening community security during high-risk operations,' Martinez wrote in the commissioner's letter.
When asked by the Post-Tribune, Martinez said the department has 'several' special operations vehicles dedicated for specialized use, and many are marked, armored units. The vehicles are used to support ground, marine and aviation units, Martinez said, as well as to coordinate internal communications and operations with outside agencies during emergencies and special operations, like search warrants and barricaded individuals.
'Our current fleet lacks a vehicle with these advanced tactical features, limiting our ability to respond effectively to incidents such as hostage situations, active shooter events or barricaded suspects,' Martinez wrote in the commissioner's letter.
Ultimately, the Lake County Board of Commissioners voted 3-0 June 18 to defer the contract to upfit the vehicle to its July meeting.
Martinez said the Lake County Sheriff's Department expects the commissioners will approve the uplifting of the vehicle in July 'in order to provide the Lake County Sheriff's Department with another tool to support operations that provide public safety and security.'