The Bandera City Marshal’s Office has added new equipment to its ranks, including six Motorola APX 8000 radios totaling $48,000 and three Chevy Tahoes leased through Bancorp for $290,000 over five years.
The radios were funded from the city’s emergency contingency fund.
The office announced on Facebook on August 24, “They have arrived! A few pieces of equipment and graphics will still need to be added, but hopefully on the road soon. We would like to thank our City Council, Mayor, City Administration, and the Bandera Community for supporting our staff with reliable equipment to help protect the Cowboy Capital of the World. We are truly grateful.”
The radios were approved during the city’s June 21 meeting. City Marshal Earl Heidelberg said the department’s previous radios, Motorola 1000s purchased secondhand, were no longer compatible with planned upgrades to the emergency communications program.
The new radios were purchased at a discounted rate and will meet the requirements for upcoming system upgrades.
The newly leased Chevy Tahoes arrived just weeks after council approval on July 22. Each vehicle is fully equipped with the department’s standard equipment, apart from the radios, which were purchased separately, and the mobile data terminals, which the department already owns.
Heidelberg said he had been in ongoing discussions with City Secretary and Interim City Manager Jill Dickerson regarding the department’s vehicle needs for months.
According to Heidelberg and Dickerson, the department has spent $58,000 on vehicle maintenance over the past four years because its fleet, with the exception of a 2024 Ford Explorer, has been in a constant state of disrepair.
The older vehicles include a 2015 Ford Explorer, a 2018 Chevy Tahoe, and a 2012 Chevy Tahoe. Heidelberg said equipping the newer 2024 vehicle required pulling parts from the older vehicles.
At the July 22 council meeting, Dickerson highlighted the urgency of the purchase, citing a recent incident.
“Recently there was a call on dispatch about an active shooter. Deputy Gilbert Ramirez was on his way when his vehicle broke down. I had to go pick him up,” she said.
The council voted unanimously to approve the lease. It includes a 10-year warranty with Wayland, a company that provides onsite maintenance, which Heidelberg said will eliminate the need to transport vehicles to Atascosa County for repairs.
Councilmember Lynn Palmer asked about the older vehicles. The council decided to prepare them for auction.
The city declined to provide further comment.
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