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The Lawrence Police Department's new Ford Interceptors did well in their first snowstorm, police said Thursday.
The vehicles — four sedans and four SUVs — went into service about three months ago to replace Crown Victorias that have been discontinued by Ford, Sgt. Trent McKinley, a Lawrence Police Department spokesman, said.
On Thursday, the Interceptors’ all-wheel drive helped police maneuver in the snow as they responded to stranded motorists and other calls. More than 30 motorists called police for help Thursday after getting stuck in more than six inches of snow that fell between 7 a.m. and noon, according to the National Weather Service. “Without those vehicles, we’d really be in trouble in this type of event,” McKinley said.
So far, McKinley said, he has heard only positive feedback from the officers using the new vehicles on the streets, and the SUV model seems to be preferred over the sedans. The vehicles were manufactured specifically for law enforcement use, with doors that open wider for loading prisoners and beefed-up electronic systems for police computers.
The vehicles cost the department about $25,000 each, which was not much more than what the older Crown Victorias had cost, McKinley said.
Comments
cheeseburger 2 months, 4 weeks ago
All-wheel-drive is not something that is needed often, but when it's needed, it's needed. Glad they are able to get around in this stuff.
KRichards 2 months, 4 weeks ago
Pretty good price on those vehicles.
Keith 2 months, 4 weeks ago
I think I heard about that wreck too, East Lawrence early morning about a week ago?
ImRonBurgandy 2 months, 4 weeks ago
This post has as much intelligence as you sir.
Ian_Cummings 2 months, 4 weeks ago
The police department says one of its Interceptor sedans was wrecked at the intersection of 15th St. and Haskell Ave. on Feb. 12. According to police, an officer was driving it, with the sirens on, to an emergency call and it was t-boned by another car. Ian LJW
artichokeheart 2 months, 4 weeks ago
One st 15th & Haskell ave.
Ian_Cummings 2 months, 4 weeks ago
15th and Haskell Ave., yes. I checked the address on the accident report. Thanks, Ian LJW
Food_for_Thought 2 months, 4 weeks ago
Where are you getting your information sources from? What's left of any credibility you have on this site has once again been weakened by your blind bigotry toward all things law enforcement. Stay classy...
artichokeheart 2 months, 4 weeks ago
I was there. Saw it. Classy and informed.
cheeseburger 2 months, 4 weeks ago
Based on the indentation, I think Food was responding to lawrenceguy40, not you.
Kathy Getto 2 months, 3 weeks ago
Based on reputation, I'm guessing FforT may have been addressing artichoke , you know the classy, informed one. Accidents happen, even to public servants.
ridikkulus 2 months, 4 weeks ago
In the event they needed medical treatment, did they get tickets for leaving the scene like the rest of the "ikky civilians" would?
SilverBandit 2 months, 4 weeks ago
Stay inside. No need to put our emergency responders at any additional risk responding to your car accident. Great day to read a book, sit by the fire, spend time with the kids, and keep those working in our prayers.
mseve 2 months, 4 weeks ago
I was wondering what happened, it closed off Haskell heading heading south and looked pretty bad, anyway I am glad the 4 wheel drives can actually get some use this winter.
reality_check79 2 months, 4 weeks ago
All in all can't complain too much... Plows are out, cops are out, and the idiots with no business being out are out getting stuck causing delays for the plows!!!
Ian_Cummings 2 months, 4 weeks ago
That's a good question. I'll check out the gas mileage and let you guys know if it's very different. Ian LJW
KRichards 2 months, 4 weeks ago
In my opinion Police, Firefighters, and EMS, should be equipped to respond in any situation at any time. If we can afford a $30 million dollar rec center that costs an additional $500k a year to operate, then we can afford the gas for these cars.
ImRonBurgandy 2 months, 4 weeks ago
Actually the Firefighters get pretty much what they ask for. It's Police that struggles to get what they need.
Jake Esau 2 months, 4 weeks ago
When I was shopping for cars a few years ago, front wheel drive vs. all wheel drive made only a minor (2-4mpg) difference in fuel economy.
average 2 months, 4 weeks ago
Having driven a late-model Vic, it's hard to imagine any car available today that wouldn't be preferable in today's weather. And I'm putting Kia Rios and the like on that list.
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