Sylvania Police get new fleet vehicles

Sylvania Sgt. Danilynn Miller, right, writes on a command board to demonstrate the new tool included in the the Sylvania Police Department's new Ford Interceptor SUV's.

THE BLADE/KATIE RAUSCH
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The Sylvania Police Department has recently acquired five new vehicles in total, with three Ford Interceptor sedans and two SUV's.

Corrected version: The cost allowed of the vehicle traded in and use of other funds has been changed.

The new Ford Interceptors that joined the Sylvania Police Department’s vehicle fleet are now on patrol.

The Sylvania Police Department picked up the last sedan Wednesday that is one of five new vehicles that are replacing some of the 2009 Crown Ford Victoria models that had outlived their use.

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The department purchased three new Ford Interceptor sedans, and two SUV models for patrol and command use. All-wheel drive, an LED-light system, easier handling and a sleeker design are just some of the vehicles' highlights. 

Sgt. Danilynn Miller said that the car and SUV models share the same mechanical parts.

“All the wheel tires, oil filters, and other parts are interchangeable,” Sergeant Miller said.

Besides their new design, residents can identify the cars by the new blue colored decal stickers and graphics, styled by the police, that display the department’s Web site.

“We took it a notch down with a simplistic design,” Sergeant Miller said.

Sergeant Miller opened up the back hatch of the SUV and showed the compartmentalized back seat that includes a dry erase board and file space. The SUVs, which will be used by sergeants assigned to command duty, is an office on wheels. The command board helps sergeants to direct and manage police response to emergencies.

Before the department had one SUV, that vehicle will now be used by the department’s volunteer division.

Having two SUVs for command use also allows for less wear and tear on one vehicle, she said.

For Patrolman David Vargo, Wednesday was one of the first times he drove the new sedan.

Sylvania Sgt. Danilynn Miller, right, writes on a command board to demonstrate the new tool included in the the Sylvania Police Department's new Ford Interceptor SUV's.

“The cars handle a lot better than the older models,” he said, noting that the four wheel drive prevents fish tailing.

The cars' interior was built to accommodate a patrolman's belt with weapons, cuffs, a place to carry a recording device, and other tools for them to effectively perform their duties.

The center console has a holding spot for every technical gadget including the computer and keyboard, a remote control, weapons, recorders, and radio equipment.

During Mr. Vargo’s shift, he clocked a driver speeding down Harroun Road in the opposite direction. With a look to the left and right, he safely turned the car around. 

He said that now having a rear camera helps him assess if any cars are in his path, so he can maneuver safely.

Once stopped, the cars' LED lights turn on and are set in a rhythmic flashing pattern that notifies traffic to flow around a stopped car in a certain direction.

That scrolling feature was not available on the older models Sgt. Miller said.

With the addition of the cars, two Ford Crown Victoria models with low mileage are now going to be used by officers on school duty, Chief of Police William Rhodus said.

One car was traded in for $1,000, plus $25,000 was used from the Drug Account of Seized Funds to offset the cost of the vehicles. That brought the total cost of the patrol-car package to $184,445.

Contact Natalie Trusso Cafarello at: 419-206-0356 or ntrusso@theblade.com.