State funding has paved the way for two new marked police patrol vehicles to hit the streets in the City of Hornell.
City officials said Wednesday Hornell recently received two fully-outfitted Dodge Durango Pursuit vehicles funded through the first round of the New York State Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Program.
The $188,647 grant awarded in June 2024 was also earmarked for several solar radar traffic signs and technology upgrades at Hornell police headquarters, officials said last year.
The city said the new patrol vehicles cost $111,313.28. They replace a 2013 Ford Explorer with 138,682 miles and a 2018 Dodge Charger with 135,659 miles.
According to the police department, the older cars had mechanical issues, raising safety concerns.
“We are deeply grateful to the State of New York for these grant funds to replace two of our patrol cars. Mileage and wear and tear add up quickly, and these vehicles will provide safer, more reliable transportation for our officers,” Hornell Police Chief Ted Murray said.
Murray noted that the department’s fleet has been trending toward Durangos in recent years. The police chief called them both “versatile and affordable.”
The new vehicles will be used primarily for patrol, including vehicle and traffic enforcement. They will also be equipped with state-of-the-art license plate readers (LPRs), awarded through the second round of JAG funding.
The LPRs will enhance the department’s ability to detect and respond to criminal activity, the police department said.
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“We are excited to add two new, reliable vehicles to our fleet at no additional cost to city residents,” Hornell Mayor John Buckley said. “We appreciate this investment in our department, the support from the State of New York, and (Police) Capt. (Mike) Sexsmith’s efforts in securing this funding.”
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This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: State grant pays off as two new marked patrol vehicles join Hornell Police Dept. fleet
Reporting by Neal Simon, Hornell Evening Tribune / The Evening Tribune
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