The county Sheriff’s Office will soon get a new robot for bomb squad missions and other high-risk situations.
The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on Monday to authorize the purchase of an ICOR Technology Mini-Caliber Robot with a $62,000 grant from the United States Department of Homeland Security.
ICOR Technology is a Canadian company that makes robots for law enforcement.
The Sheriff’s Office said the robot will help deputies do dangerous tasks safely.
“Equipped with advanced surveillance capabilities, including a high-resolution camera and audio system, the robot allows operators to assess and respond to potentially hazardous situations remotely,” says a memo from Sheriff Ennis Wright to the Board of Commissioners. “Its robust arm and gripper mechanism can be used to manipulate suspicious objects, diffuse [SIC] explosives, and access confined spaces that are otherwise dangerous or inaccessible to personnel.”
Black History Month
In an unrelated matter, the commissioners voted unanimously to declare February 2025 as Black History Month in Cumberland County. The month has been recognized nationally since 1976.
The decision comes as the Trump administration and others take steps to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs that encourage the acceptance of people of all cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
“As well as we know, Black History Month is American history,” Commissioner Glenn Adams said shortly before the vote. “And as we’re having an assault on DEI and inclusion, I think it’s important that this county recognizes that we have a proclamation in support of Black History Month.
“All of the achievements of Black Americans throughout this country should be recognized,” he said.
Other spending
In other matters, the county commissioners approved the following spending items:
- $43,000 for software to operate drones. The money is coming from federal drug seizure funds.
- $3,754 to finish building a pickleball court and the multipurpose field at the Linden Little River Park.
Also, the commissioners were informed that the county manager used $129,258 in contingency funds to replace equipment at the four entry points of the County Courthouse. The entrances have security checkpoints.
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