KEENE - After a controversial vote to accept Homeland Security funds last spring for the purchase of the town's SWAT vehicle, the Keene police department placed its BearCat into service Tuesday.

The department took delivery of its Special Mission Rescue Vehicle from Lenco Industries on Nov. 16, however the lone piece of equipment that did not come standard on it, a piece radio, had to be installed. According to a press release, after the radio's installation, the vehicle was delivered.

The Keene City Council voted to accept a $285,933 Homeland Security grant in December - without a public hearing - to buy the armored vehicle. Some claimed it was a waste of public tax dollars while others said it was not needed in a small town such as Keene.