Print this story | E-mail story | This story has 2 comments Add your own | iPod friendly
FPD, LPD to receive new police cars
Published Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Two local police departments were named as the county’s first Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs grant recipients for new police vehicles.
On Friday, Florala Police Department was notified of a $22,244 award. On Monday, Lockhart Police Department received notice of a $24,984 grant for a new patrol car.
“When the grant monies are received the money will be used to purchase a much needed folly loaded patrol vehicle, they vehicle will allow us to better serve the community without the worry of a vehicle not making it to the scene,” LPD Chief John Davis. Davis said the vehicle will replace a car with more than 124,000 miles and will require matching funds of $2,776.
Florala Chief Sonny Bedsole said his funds will be used for a four-wheel-drive SUV.
“We are extremely excited to get the news we had been awarded this grant,” Bedsole said. “It will be equipped with wench and gives us the capability to get to citizens in the event of a natural disaster.”
Bedsole said the new vehicle will also allow officers to safely maneuver in areas not accessible by patrol cars. Because city roads are part of two hurricane evacuation routes from Florida, city officials expect the vehicle will play a crucial role in helping officers ensure the safety of motorists.
Florala’s mayor was notified earlier this week of the governor’s decision.
“Proper equipment and reliable transportation enables our officers to better protect and serve residents,” said Gov. Bob Riley. “I am pleased that these grants will help departments in their duties.”
ADECA is administering the grant from funds made available to the state by the U.S. Department of Justice.
This is the department’s fifth new vehicle announcement over the last two months. Recently, the Florala Utilities Board helped the department secure four new patrol cars for the department.
The vehicles should be delivered late next week, Bedsole said.
Comments
Posted by bubba (anonymous) on May 23, 2009 at 3:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Definitely,
Every police chief needs a good hunting ride. And that wench, that will come in handy pulling vehicles along the hurricane evacuation route. Next, Florala needs to get the utilities to purchase them some some 4-wheelers equipped with wenches, rifle racks, and oversize tires and wheels to help vehicles along the muddy, washed out, treacherous hurricane evacuation route. Also, it being summer, the utilities board needs to look at purchasing a Bass boat(rescue boat) to patrol Lake Jackson (which is located in close proximity to the what is quickly becoming known as the "The Devil's Trail"(the hurricane evacuation route). This SUV and this rescue boat together could help Florala PD become friends with other departments by using the SUV to pull the rescue boat to other lakes all over Alabama and Florida and patrol their lakes!!!!!! It's just a thought. An idea, mind you. Let's see.
Posted by rabbit2300 (anonymous) on June 4, 2009 at 2:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
so the last council didn't seem to think that vehicles where important glad this one does. A friend of mine had the police come to there house only to have to help them get the car running again to answer another call. I am glad they wised up in Florala. I think lockhart does a great job or the size they are.
Post a comment (Terms of Use Policy)
(Requires free registration.)