This week, the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office added a new vehicle to its fleet — a 2010 up-armored Humvee.

The former military vehicle was transferred to the county through the Secretary of Defense’s 1033 Program, which allows for the transfer of excess U.S. Department of Defense equipment to state and local law enforcement agencies at no cost.

Chief Deputy Jeff Hitchcock said the Humvee was transferred from the Green County Sheriff’s Office and only has a little over 1,000 miles on it.

“We’re very happy to get it,” Hitchcock said.

The Humvee — with bulletproof windows and armor-plated undercarriage — will be used by the county’s SWAT personnel if needed.

“We’ve been shot at before,” Hitchcock said. “And there is nothing to hide behind.”

He also said the Humvee is four-wheel drive and would be used in situations where cruisers could not go.

The vehicle will be outfitted with stars and sheriff’s markings as well as blue lights.