Austintown cruisers to get devices on gas tanks

Austintown cruisers to get devices on gas tanks

AUSTINTOWN — The township police department will get fire suppression devices for the gas tanks of all the Crown Victorias in its 12-car fleet.

The decision to do so follows the severe burning earlier this month of a township police officer after his cruiser was slammed from behind and the gas tank exploded, sending a wall of flames into the front of the car.

Police Chief Bob Gavalier said Wednesday the devices, which are polymer shells that fit over the gas tank and release a cloud of fire suppressant powder after a cruiser is rear-ended, should be delivered soon.

He said the devices can be removed and used again as the department rotates old cruisers out of the fleet. They cost $395 each.

Officer Ross Linert, 48, remains in the burn unit at Akron Children’s Hospital where he’s been since the Nov. 11 crash on North Meridian Road.

For the complete story, see Thursday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.