MARION COUNTY, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35 ORLANDO) -
The first of a fleet of new police vehicles as arrived at the Marion County Sheriff's Office.
The new vehicles, which will arrive over a two month period, will replace aging patrol vehicles. A total of 60 – 70 patrol vehicles are being purchased with funds from two different fiscal years.
The sheriff's office says in fiscal year 2009-2010 it requested $442,000 for the purchase of replacement vehicles which the Board of County Commission approved. During the last fiscal year, 2010-2011 the Sheriff asked and received approval that all returned funds in the amount of $2,154,107 in the MSTU budget and $702,515 in county-wide funds also be earmarked for replacement vehicles. Using the $442,000 from FY 2009-2010, the sheriff's office was able to order 14 Police Interceptor sedans and 2 Ford Police Interceptor SUV models. Of those vehicles ordered, 1 sedan and 1 SUV will be outfitted for use by the K-9 Unit.
The American-built Ford Police Interceptor sedan all-wheel drive has the 3.5L V6 eco-boost engine with the latest in law enforcement auto technology. "Although this engine boasts 365 horsepower, it is estimated to provide at least a 20 percent increase in our current fuel mileage," said Judge Cochran, Marion County Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer.
The sheriff's office says the increased fuel mileage could result in a savings of an estimated $500,000+ per year once the entire fleet has been upgraded.
