Gov. Beshear announces new state-of-the-art Kentucky State Police patrol boat
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Governor Andy Beshear announced that Kentucky State Police has received a new state-of-the-art patrol boat Thursday.
According to a release, a newly purchased Metal Shark 23 Relentless, a 23-foot patrol boat designed for first responders, will allow KSP to better maneuver in response to emergencies and natural disasters on waterways across the state.
Gov. Beshear says the boat was purchased with grant funding from the FEMA Port Security Program.
“The Kentucky State Police continues to raise the bar in its ability to protect our neighbors,” Gov. 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.”
For more information, visit justice.ky.gov/Pages/Accomplishments.aspx.
About the Metal Shark 23 Relentless
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.
