Secaucus Police Department unveils two new hybrid Ford Escape vehicles

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The Secaucus Police Department unveiled two new hybrid Ford Escape vehicles earlier today, Police Chief Dennis Miller and Mayor Michael Gonnelli announced.

Photo courtesy of the Secaucus Police Department.

By John Heinis/Hudson County View

These hybrid Ford Escapes will primarily be used on extra-duty traffic details in construction zones, where the vehicle normally sits idle for extended periods of time.

Since the vehicles are hybrid, power for the vehicle will be drawn from an electrically charged battery, during a vast majority of the idling time. Therefore, the emissions from gasoline fumes released into the environment will be greatly reduced.

“With the purchase of these hybrid police vehicles, everyone wins. Police officers
will have a new vehicle to use, the taxpayer will be saving money and the Secaucus Police Department will be doing its part in helping the environment,” Miller said in a joint statement.

“Also, three hybrid Ford Interceptor Utility Vehicles have already been ordered this year, which will be used for regular patrol duties. These patrol vehicles will be put into service during the Spring of 2021 and through attrition, we will be transitioning our entire fleet to hybrids.”

During one experiment by the Secaucus Police Department’s Vehicle Mechanic, Scott Petruzziello, the hybrid Ford Escape sat idle for five hours running on the electrically charged battery, and only engaged the engine for 33 minutes.

The municipal cost savings will stem from a reduction in the amount of gasoline needed for the vehicles and wear and tear on the vehicle, since the vehicle partially runs off of battery power.

These two hybrid Ford Escapes were purchased for $26,879.41 each, with fees paid to the Town of Secaucus when a police vehicle is stationed at a construction zone.

“What a great addition these two vehicles are to our fleet. One of the main goals of my
Administration is to be mindful of the environment whenever making purchases and these vehicles certainly do just that. I am so pleased we were able to add to our growing electric/hybrid vehicle fleet,” Gonnelli added.

“These new vehicles are an important part of Secaucus’ commitment to our ‘green’ municipal fleet and produce fewer emissions. In doing so, we will have healthier air as well as long-term energy and cost savings,” stated Town of Secaucus Environmental Coordinator Jennifer Schneider.


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