Girard police receive new vehicle

By John W. Goodwin Jr.

The cars should be on the road within the month.

GIRARD — After years of planning, waiting and speculating, the first of six new police department cars will soon patrol city streets.

The new Chevrolet Impala, minus decals and light bar, is parked in the garage at the police station. The car is a deep blue with tan interior. Officials had debated going with a more costly two-toned paint, but decided against that move.

Safety Service Director Jerry Lambert said decals on the car will likely be either white, gold or silver.

According to Lambert, the cars cost $19,600 each. He said the cost of outfitting each car with the necessary police equipment is estimated at about $5,000.

The remaining five cars are expected to be delivered within the next two weeks.

Police officials had pleaded with council and city administration for several years to buy new vehicles. The last round of police car purchases was in 1996, and those cars are still in use today.

City council passed legislation permitting the purchase of six new cars in February. Mayor James Melfi vetoed that legislation, saying the city should purchase three cars now and three later, given the city’s financial situation and the condition of the existing cars.

Council overturned that veto.

There was also a lengthy debate about what cars to buy. Police lobbied for a more expensive Dodge model, but city administration nixed that idea with the purchase of the Chevrolets.

In 1996, 18 Ford model police cars were purchased. One of those vehicles was destroyed in an accident, three are now being used for spare parts, and 14 are still patrolling city streets.

Each officer is assigned a vehicle that is used for patrol and taken home by the officer.

The new vehicles, Lambert said, will all be used for daily routine patrol.

“After delivery of the other cars, assuming no more delays, they should be on the road within a month,” said Lambert. “It’s just exciting to see the light at the end of the tunnel in terms of getting these six cars on the road.”

jgoodwin@vindy.com