3 New Cop Cars OK'd, Fleet Drops 4 From Patrol
Washington Twp. moves forward with three new police vehicles for 2013; two SUVs still being discussed.
The Washington Township Police Department will be receiving three new patrol vehicles in 2013, while reducing its total fleet by four after receiving the approval by the township committee to spend the money this week.
During its first budget session of the year, the governing body went over line items with the police department, with the most major — and timely — purchase coming in the form of new patrol cars. The department originally requested three new patrol cars and two sport utility vehicles — Chevrolet Tahoes — and were approved for two of the sedans.
The other vehicles would be considered as budget talks moved along this year.
But on Monday, Police Chief Michael Bailey spoke to the committee during its regular meeting and explained that the company from which vehicles are ordered put out a deadline of Feb. 21 to make final requests. Bailey said the original deadline was in March.
The committee gave Bailey the go-ahead on ordering a third vehicle, but still held back on the SUVs, and not before some clarification was needed by one of the committee members.
“What’s so special about these cars that we need to stick with them and order them now?” asked Committeeman Jim LiaBraaten, who was against approving the third Caprice prior to the discussion.
Bailey elaborated on the topic and explained that there are three pursuit rated vehicles available to the department: the Caprice; Dodge Charger; and Ford Interceptor. When given approval for new vehicles in 2012 after the Ford Crown Victoria was discontinued, Washington Township opted for the Caprice.
“The plan is to stick with the same vehicle so that equipment can be switched from car to car when we have turnover,” Bailey said. “We save about $7,000 per car when we do that.”
Bailey also said that if police use a non-pursuit rated vehicle and crash the car in a pursuit, there could be very costly legal ramifications.
With the addition of three vehicles in 2013, the fleet will still be knocked down from 22 to 18, saving thousands per year in costs. Regular maintenance on a police vehicle can run approximately $2,700 per year, with a $1,000 annual insurance amount, Mayor Ken Short said.
The three vehicles being replaced in 2013 will either be auctioned off or moved to a different municipal department, along with the four vehicles that were part of the reduction process, Bailey said.
Each Caprice costs $27,085.25 plus $7,500 in equipment, totaling $34,585.25. Equipment from the Ford Crown Victoria model cannot be transferred to the Chevy Caprice model.
If approved, each SUV will cost $35,510 with equipment. Those vehicles would be used by detectives and administration full time, and for patrol during inclement weather, Bailey said.
The department received four new vehicles in 2011 and two new vehicles in 2012. The lifecycle of a patrol car is roughly three years, Bailey said, with each vehicle amassing between 30,000 and 40,000 miles annually. An SUV with four-wheel drive lasts roughly a decade for the department, Bailey said.
“We need to make a tough decision,” Committeeman Dave Kennedy said. “We either spend money trying to keep these cars running all the time, or spend for the new ones.”
There is no current time table on when the vehicles will be ready for use.
Reality Chuck
2:01 pm on Thursday, February 21, 2013
"Bailey also said that if police use a non-pursuit rated vehicle and crash the car in a pursuit, there could be very costly legal ramifications."
My god..... the lawyers have even gotten into the suspension of a Patrol car to differentiate what should be a standard function. What officer can predict a high-speed chase? If you are going to give chase for block, you should be able to chase for any distance.
kyle
2:15 pm on Thursday, February 21, 2013
How does Washington manage such a large <a href="http://covase.co.uk/Fleet-Management-London">fleet</a> of cars?
Lt.Dan
3:46 pm on Thursday, February 21, 2013
The Ford Interceptor now has a pursuit-rated SUV companion which can exchange a lot of equipment.
Jerry Gordon
9:54 pm on Thursday, February 21, 2013
Excuse me Jason, why do you always quote Dave Kennedy for every police story when Bill Roherich is the police commissioner? If it was up to Kennedy he'd buy the cops a fleet of new cars and new toys and bust the budget.
Jason Koestenblatt
10:01 pm on Thursday, February 21, 2013
Thanks for the comment, Jerry. Everyone quoted in this story spoke about the matter while discussing the approval for a third vehicle. Since Vice Mayor Roehrich did not comment on the issue, aside from voting yes, there was nothing to quote him on. Thanks again for the comment and I hope this clarifies everything for you!
Schooley Squatch
8:41 am on Friday, February 22, 2013
Dave Kennedy needs to focus on the next big issue about to hit him ... infringement of conservation easments in his development which is about to be brought to the attention of NJ-DEP.
Domino
10:09 am on Friday, February 22, 2013
Ken "Aruba" Short and his Washington Township republican buddies need to focus on something constructive rather than spend their time trying to smear Dave Kennedy because he defeated their pal Howard Popper the last time the seat was up for grabs. What a bunch of sore losers! Seems that every time one of the old-time W.T. republicans loses an elections they sue, take people to court or file ethics charges. Time to throw all of them out!
Jerry Gordon
7:12 pm on Friday, February 22, 2013
Domino, you're an embarrassment, talk about losing election after election!!! Jeff Price, Nedd, Kaiser, Reilly, Skurchak, DeFrance, Henwood, did forget anyone? Oh yeah, Jeff Emery. I wouldn't be so fast to tout the virtues Kennedy, he's proven to be disingenuous.
Hookerman
7:20 pm on Friday, February 22, 2013
Jerry Gordon obviously has a personal problem with Dave Kennedy and from his past posts we can tell that he is a huge supporter of Short, Roherich, and the like. Funny when he attacks Jason and Jason takes the high road, not only shutting Jerry Gordon up, but also making him look low class.
Kevin Nedd
11:27 pm on Friday, February 22, 2013
So Jerry wants to talk about losers...quick question for you...how many elections have we had when your name appeared on the ballot? While I won my first race with over 2700 votes, my support grew to 3400 votes in my reelection defeat. How many votes have been cast in your favor? 46 write in votes perhaps? Until you even have the guts to run for office, do me a favor and STFU!
Lt.Dan
12:38 am on Saturday, February 23, 2013
All these names mean nothing to me. But does any municipality need to have a fleet of storm damage SUVs for one loud-mouthed citizen who stayed in Hawaii for 14 days while his family sat freezing, powerless in Long Valley? Is that the standard? That is a considerable burden to place on local government and emergency response personnel.
Mr. Nedd, are the above facts incorrect?
Jerry Gordon
11:40 am on Saturday, February 23, 2013
Nedd, you're as dumb as a bag of rocks...you still a LOST!!. Get over the past, 2008 is ancient history. You and you alter ego Domino need psychiatric care. Don't forget to take your meds....
Jimmy P. Vertigo
5:23 pm on Friday, February 22, 2013
This forum should not be littered with political smears. It troubles me the SUV's are put on back burner. Our EMT's need to respond to emergencies regardless of weather, and the lack of 4 wheel drive vehicles in this mountainous terrain is a major issue. This high elevation creates many concerns, including but not limited to : impassible roads, decreased response time and yes - vertigo.
Jerry Gordon
6:59 pm on Friday, February 22, 2013
Vertigo, get with the program. Stop crying with a loaf of bread under your arm.The First Aid squad is flush with cash from donations and can afford to buy these vehicles for CASH. If these decisions were left up to Dave Kennedy he'd increase the debt service to buy these cars.
Hookerman
7:23 pm on Friday, February 22, 2013
Get with the program?!?!? Who says that? What a loser! And what is with the loaf of bread comment? What does that even mean? And how does Jerry GOrdon know how much money the first aid squad has? Jerry are you on the squad? Ha! Silly me for asking that question, you'd never volunteer for a cause half as noble as that one. It's obvious you don't like Kennedy and are just attacking him on every post.
buzzkill
8:37 pm on Friday, February 22, 2013
JPVertigo, What are you talking about, all of the roads are paved?
buzzkill
8:41 pm on Friday, February 22, 2013
Crookedman, looks like Jerry Gordon rang your bell.
Hookerman
9:20 am on Saturday, February 23, 2013
Your right buzzkill, Jerry did ring my bell. Good thing too, my bell hasn't been rung in ages, ask my wife! I just flew in and boy are my arms tired. Love the underwear comment below as well, you are a funny guy.
Liberty
9:35 am on Saturday, February 23, 2013
The article is talking about vehicles for the PD, not SUVs for the First Aid Squad. Ambulances are not SUVs. Mountainous terrain? High elevation? You're kidding, right.....or you live in some other Long Valley.
Jerry Gordon
7:25 pm on Friday, February 22, 2013
I am a loser. When my manager walks in the room I feel like less of a man.
buzzkill
8:44 pm on Friday, February 22, 2013
Troll alert....Patch allows two posters with the same name? The Jerry Gordon beating up on Crookedman and Domino is much more interesting.
buzzkill
9:16 am on Saturday, February 23, 2013
Troll Alert!!!!
Jerry Gordon
7:26 pm on Friday, February 22, 2013
Dave Kennedy is exactly what this town needs. If our town council was filled with Dave Kennedy's instead of Short and the usual suspects, then this town would be on the right track.
buzzkill
9:11 pm on Friday, February 22, 2013
Why don't you tell us what he's done in the last two years besides publicly embarrass himself in the papers, saying that enforcing the law is a conspiracy against him? ((((raucous laughter))))
buzzkill
9:17 am on Saturday, February 23, 2013
I am like Jerry Gordon's underwear, giving him support where and whenever he needs it.
Jimmy P. Vertigo
8:12 pm on Friday, February 22, 2013
Jerry G-Spot has had a few Friday night cocktails. He's always a HOOT on the weekends.
Chuckie Sullivan
8:17 pm on Friday, February 22, 2013
Look at those wicked kahs. Those look like great kahs Jerry Gordon, you should really check 'em out.
Lou Sassle
8:31 pm on Friday, February 22, 2013
I heard those kahs got a good engine. It's a good engine bro - its a good engine. Happy birthday.
Chuckie Sullivan
9:42 am on Saturday, February 23, 2013
Hey Lou! I don't know what your reputation is in this town, but after the $#!@ you tried to pull today you can bet I'll be looking into you. Now the business we have, heretofore, you can speak with my aforementioned attorney. Good day, sir; and until that day comes, keep your ear to the grindstone.
Carmine Scarpetti
10:05 am on Saturday, February 23, 2013
Hey Chuckie - you and your buddy Will disagree that the PD needs SUV's. Thats fine. If they had the proper vehicles to navigate the elements than perhaps they can break up fights at the basketball courts sooner.
Chuckie Sullivan
12:59 pm on Saturday, February 23, 2013
Hey Carmine, you deserved that beatin you got on the courts. You and Will went to kindergarten together and you used to beat his ass everyday. But now you're windin' your way down on Baker Street. Light in your head and dead on your feet, well another crazy day, you'll drink the night away and forget about everything.
This city desert makes you feel so cold. It's got so many people but it's got no soul
And it's taking you so long, to find out you were wrong, when you thought it had everything
You used to think that it was so easy, you used to say that it was so easy, but you're tryin', you're tryin' now. Another year and then you'll be happy, just one more year and then you'll be happy. But you're cryin', you're cryin' now. (saxophone)Waaaawaaaawaaaaa, waaannnnaaaa, wawaawaawaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.
Jerry Gordon
11:53 am on Saturday, February 23, 2013
The town cut back on the fourth police car because the equipment from the Ford Crown Victoria didn't fit inside the the new Chevys.Taxpayers have done well that Dave Kennedy wasn't allowed to make these types of equipment PURCHASING decisions.
buzzkill
12:37 pm on Saturday, February 23, 2013
^^^ What an idiot! Jerry none of the equipment transfers over from any of the crown victorias to any of the chevy's, so if this was the reason for not getting a fourth vehicle, then logically they would not be getting vehicles one, two, or three for the same reason. Also, they asked for five vehicle, any ideas on why they did not get the fifth? Oh right, you'll say Dave Kennedy, blah, blah, blah. I think you have a crush on Kennedy. I think you fantasize about him and it is only his repeated rejections that have turned you in to a miserable, obsessing, ex-girlfriend.
Jerry Gordon
1:16 pm on Saturday, February 23, 2013
Hey libtard, If you were paying attention would know that the TC usually buys four cars a year and reuses the equipment in the new cars...try and focus, you're starting to sound like you're unhinged.
buzzkill
1:43 pm on Saturday, February 23, 2013
Ok, lets break Jerry's response down. "Libtard," I am not really sure what this means. I assume it is a mix of liberal and retard, which I guess is supposed to be some type of insult. I am not offended by being called a liberal or a retard, or a combination of the two. I find it suprising that you would attack mentally disabled people though. Retard is not really an acceptable term these days and seen as insensitive. Why don't you like people with mental disabilities Jerry? Why are you picking on the mentally disabled?
If the town council usually buys four cars a year, then why did they only by two for the past several? You are uninformed and are just making statements. We are all aware that they normally reuse the equipment, however, as the above article states, that is no longer an option. What is the reasoning behind making this point?
OK, now I will end my comment much in the same way you end yours You are going crazy Jerry. Take your meds! The screws are coming loose, etc... you're a joke. Oh right, Dave Kennedy.
Jerry Gordon
1:46 pm on Saturday, February 23, 2013
My kids don't like me. I don't have a job. I am a complete loser and I apologize to this online community. I am afraid of Dave Kennedy. He is a real man, who had a real career, and served his community. I have done nothing worthwhile with my life other then type of this website.
Jerry Gordon
1:47 pm on Saturday, February 23, 2013
My favorite color is fuscia. I watch The View everyday and in my spare time I knit. Steel Magnolias is my favorite movie ever!
Liberty
2:01 pm on Saturday, February 23, 2013
Jason--this thread has devolved into absurdity. Put it out of our misery!