Rockingham County is getting a new armored truck to help deputies stay safe when responding to threats in the Valley.

The armored truck will cost about $300,000. The money comes completely from a grant from the state Homeland Security Program, and no local dollars will be used.

Sheriff Don Farley says the county is responding to an increasing number of dangerous situations, such as people barricading themselves with high-caliber weapons. Farley says this new truck will make criminals think twice.

"When they see us roll up with that," Farley said, "it has a great affect for that person to say, 'Maybe I better go ahead and give up.' If we can do that, and save our lives and save other lives, then that's a real positive."

Farley says Rockingham County was chosen to get the armored truck because it has easy access to Interstate 81, and the truck could be used at several nearby locations.