News Release > Arkansas Nuclear One donates BearCat to Pope County Sheriff’s Office

For Immediate Release

Arkansas Nuclear One donates BearCat to Pope County Sheriff’s Office

06/06/2024

(L-R) Chief Deputy Blake Wilson, Clint Maness, ANO Superintendent,Security, and Pope County Sheriff Shane Jones.
(L-R) Chief Deputy Blake Wilson, Clint Maness, ANO Superintendent,Security, and Pope County Sheriff Shane Jones.

Armored vehicle once used by nuclear security to now help law enforcement

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – Entergy’s Arkansas Nuclear One recently donated one of its armed security vehicles to the Pope County Sheriff’s Office for use in law enforcement activities.

Entergy uses the vehicles for protecting the health and safety of the public from radiological sabotage, but is donating this one as a means of good stewardship in the community and to help foster a symbiotic partnership with local officials.

“We are honored that we’re able to support local law enforcement with this donation,” said Doug Pehrson, ANO site vice president. “And we are proud to power life by supporting our community in this way.”

The Lenco BearCat is a wheeled SWAT vehicle designed for military and law enforcement use. The vehicle is based on a Ford F-550 Super Duty commercial truck chassis with a diesel engine, and a six-speed automatic transmission. The steel armored bodywork includes ballistic glass capable of multi-hits, blast-resistant floors, gunports, roof hatches and other equipment.

“We are grateful for this generous donation to our department,” said Sheriff Shane Jones. “Not only will this vehicle allow the sheriff’s office to respond to events in Pope County, but it will also allow us to respond to a potential event at Arkansas Nuclear One.”

Lenco BearCats have been credited with saving the lives of officers in armed confrontations on numerous occasions.

Supporting and improving the quality of life in communities where Entergy operates through strategic investments is a core value. Entergy strives to contribute to a society that is healthy, educated, environmentally safe and productive.