Police dept. gets 2 new cruisers

HURON — Huron officials recently announced the arrival of two replacement police cruisers, "enhancing the department's ability to serve and protect residents," according to a city statement. The new vehicles, Ford Interceptor SUVs, replace two older Dodge Chargers, providing officers with updated safety features, improved reliability and increased efficiency. Previously, city officials adopted a capital equipment replacement schedule, incrementally swapping out older vehicles for newer ones while stashing away funds to do so. These two cruisers totaled about $140,000, paid for through this local fund. "A three-year lease-purchase with Statewide Emergency Products, LLC, was the most economical route for the city this time around," according to the statement, adding how Huron police "has worked with Statewide as (it is) a single-source supplier specializing in law enforcement vehicles and outfitting them with the appropriate decals and equipment needs." There's also something new about these cruisers compared to most other vehicles in Huron police's fleet: the color. These two newer vehicles are black compared to other cars, which are silver. Huron began changing the color, from silver to black, last year with a different cruiser. "The decision was made based on the availability and ease of locating the right vehicle at the right price," the statement read. So what will happen to the police cruisers getting replaced? "The replaced vehicles will enter a second phase of their useful life with one motoring to (Huron's) water filtration plant for low-mileage use and the other traveling to EHOVE (Career Center's) auto department for fine-tuning before stopping in their public safety department," the statement read, noting there are 15 total cars in Huron police's fleet. Regarding Huron's two new police vehicles, they'll "be immediately placed into service, supporting routine patrols, emergency response and community policing efforts," the statement read. "The replacement of the vehicles reflects the department's ongoing commitment to maintaining modern, dependable resources for law enforcement." Huron police Chief Terry Graham oversaw this entire process. "This investment demonstrates our dedication to public safety and ensures our officers have the tools they need to continue protecting the people of Huron," Graham said.