This imposing automobile is far from a family–or sport–vehicle, but it has a definite street presence. The HMMWV, or “Humvee,” is property of the Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office. It was given to the County by the Federal Government three years ago at no cost, part of Law Enforcement surplus.
The government downsizing effort included “all sorts of military stuff and guns,” stated Sheriff Kelly Wilhelmi.
The HMMWV has been described as “the U. S. military workhorse.”
On Sunday, June 14, 2015, a news report stated, “The U. S. Army is finally set to phase out one of the most consistent images of modern American military power: the Humvee. Earlier this year, the U. S. Army announced the three finalists for the massive contract to replace the iconic Humvee, which has been in service for almost three decades.”
Earning a ride in the massive Humvee with Chief Deputy Andy Henson has been used, two or three times, as an incentive for students at Southside School.
Wilhelmi added the Hummer has been used
- by a SWAT team
- to serve a Search Warrant in Prophetstown, IL
- in parades
- with a search and rescue team
- during a winter search
- at Touch a Truck events.
