Check out Marietta's new 20-ton rescue vehicle: "Hercules"

The Marietta Police Department has added 20 tons of backup.

Its new Civilian Rescue Vehicle was a decommissioned military machine purchased for $650,000 in 2007 and in storage in southern California since 2014. A federal grant sent it to Marietta in 2016, and Lockheed Martin Aerospace donated the funds to paint it "Hercules Gray," the same color as the C-130 military transport planes it manufactures at its Marietta facility.

The new wheels, capable of driving over fallen trees or through up to four feet of water, able to withstand hurricane force winds and spacious enough to accommodate a medical stretcher as well as seated passengers, will thus be known as "Hercules."

"When we heard that the Marietta Police Department was receiving this Citizens Rescue Vehicle, we had to be a part of this project and we had to ensure that it was painted Hercules Gray. It looks fantastic," said Lockheed Vice President Karmyn Norwood, who joined Deputy Marietta Police Chief Marty Ferrell, Marietta Fire Department Chief Jackie Gibbs and officials from both departments for a show-and-tell for reporters on Monday morning. "The C-130 is a first responder in its own right. You may hear on the news that there's a humanitarian crisis or need in the United States or throughout the world, and the C-130 aircraft is the first responder. The Citizens Rescue Vehicle will also be that first responder."

Marietta Police Lt. Jake King said the vehicle tops out at 70 mph but about 62 mph is a more comfortable cruising speed. (Since it'll be deployed in disaster zones, it'll likely travel much more slowly).

The interior is pretty utilitarian - the refurbish did include cupholders, a modest creature comfort - and will allow first responders to respond to a variety of situations, including weather crises, areas where fallen trees block access and active crime scenes where injured victims need secure transport and immediate medical attention.

"We really need to be able to respond to everything," King said. "This vehicle gives us, your public safety, the ability to respond to just about everything."