DARLINGTON, SC (WBTW) – The Darlington Police Department is welcoming the newest addition to its team, a new $45,000 patrol car, the department received for free.
The department won the brand-new 2015 Ford Interceptor because of its hard work and performance. Lieutenant Michael Cooke says it’s a welcomed gift with the city’s small budget.
“We’re happy to have it. The city is happy to have it. Small town budget, $45,000 worth of equipment, fully loaded, ready to go,” said Lt. Cooke.
The car was won through the state-sponsored “DUI Challenge”.
Darlington ranked among the best in the state for areas that reduced the number of highway deaths. After qualifying, they beat out the Bennettsville and Latta Police Departments in a final drawing for the car.
The new police Interceptor came fully loaded with a radar system, camera system, and even a remote control for the lights and sirens. Darlington City Police say all they had to do was add their decals. The new car is a big update for Patrolman Benjamin Watford.
“I was pretty excited to retire my 2007 Dodge Charger for a 2015 Ford Explorer, or Ford Interceptor, whatever they’re calling it,” said Watford.
He was assigned the new car and says winning the contest is a reflection of the teamwork within the department.
“It shows that us out on the street are getting the job done with bringing in the DUIs, and it also shows that the office staff are reporting it correctly to get us with the three departments. For it to only be three departments, that says something,” said Watford.
Watford adds the new car is important because without vehicles designed for traffic control, the number of deaths from traffic accidents would be higher.
