USDA Funds New Police Vehicle for West Wildwood

WEST WILDWOOD — The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) “granted” the Borough of West Wildwood a wish by providing $31,500 to help offset the purchase of a 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe SUV for the borough’s police department.
Representatives of the borough and the USDA gathered Aug. 7 to watch as the newest vehicle in the police department’s fleet was rolled out.
According to USDA State Director for Rural Development Howard Henderson, the federal agency granted the borough 75 percent of the cost, or the maximum amount, of the cost of the vehicle.
“We were able to provide 75 percent of the cost of the vehicle. That was the maximum you can get from a federal grant. Funds only recently became available for this particular program (Communities Facilities),” said Henderson. Because of its year round population the borough is deemed a rural area by USDA standards, thereby making it eligible for grants through the federal agency.
The new vehicle is state-of-the art, according to Ptlm. Ken Howell. Howell, an 18 month member of the borough’s police department, was instrumental in finding the USDA grant and filing the application.
The four-wheel drive SUV boasts a light bar integrated into the front grille instead of atop the roof in order to increase gas mileage. It is also the first police SUV in the county to have emergency lights mounted in its running boards. Howell showed visitors the backseat of the vehicle which can be washed out. Plexiglass separating the back and front seats is padded to insure suspect safety. Since it will be used for police work, the Tahoe also has a larger suspension system and a sturdier transmission. The police package also includes the latest radio technology.
The new vehicle was sorely needed by the borough’s police department. Prior to taking ownership of the new SUV, the department’s fleet included two Dodge Durangos. Neither Durango was adapted for police work, said the chief. Obtaining the new SUV was a “huge plus,” said Ferentz, noting the rundown condition of the department’s old SUVs.
“It improves on our ability to respond,” said Borough Administrator Chris Ridings. “And it’s a godsend to the budget.”
“Our budget has been severely cut over the past five years,” noted Ferentz. “We’re always looking for was to lessen the burden to the taxpayers.”
Providing the funding to purchase a police vehicle was somewhat of a rarity for the USDA.
“We’ve done lots of fire/rescue vehicles,” said David Corwin, Senior Area Specialist, “but this is a first I’ve done in my three years.”
“It’s a big savings to the taxpayers,” said Commissioner Cornelius Maxwell. “We’re putting our small town charm back together.”