By Tom Latek
Kentucky Today
Kentucky State Police have obtained a new state-of-the-art patrol boat, allowing the agency to better respond to emergencies and natural disasters on Kentucky’s waterways, Gov Andy Beshear announced this week.
The agency recently purchased a 23-foot patrol boat, the Metal Shark 23 Relentlss, which is specifically designed for first responders and allows for exceptional maneuverability in all types of waterways.
The boat was purchased with grant funding from the FEMA Port Authority Program and will allow the agency to respond quickly to water-based critical incidents and perform operations on land, on water and in the air.
“The Kentucky State Police continues to raise the bar in its ability to protect our neighbors,” Beshear said. “This new equipment allows the agency to further expand its reach, helping ensure that Kentuckians and visitors are safe no matter the challenge. From lake recreation to flooding and weather events, this patrol boat will better prepare us to respond and protect more lives.”
The Metal Shark 23 Relentless watercraft is a fully equipped law enforcement vehicle, built to withstand extreme weather conditions with the same tools found in a state police cruiser, including radio, lights and a mobile data terminal, while also utilizing a FLIR Thermal camera and side-scan sonar camera for search operations.
The boat can be deployed during any major critical incident involving water when assistance from the KSP Special Operations Branch is requested, including the Special Response Team and the Aircraft Division. Examples of such instances consist of severe weather situations, water-based search and rescue and recovery missions, and support for safety during large public events like Thunder Over Louisville.
Members of the Special Response Team have completed specialized training to safely maneuver the vessel and conduct hoist operations involving both the aircraft and boat.
“Our mission is to do everything we can to keep Kentuckians safe,” said KSP Commissioner Phillip Burmett, Jr. “This boat will help our troopers during water rescue situations, explosive dive missions and maritime high-risk operations involving dangerous individuals.”