Date: Fri 29-Jan-1999

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

Halsteaed-Sandy-Hook-cruiser

Full Text:

Firefighters Want To Recycle Old Police Cruisers

BY STEVE BIGHAM

Newtown's old police cars may not be good enough for law enforcement, but they

are apparently good enough to fight fires.

Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire Company Chief Bill Halstead has requested that his

crew receive the next hand-me-down cruiser from the police department. In a

letter to First Selectman Herb Rosenthal, the fire chief said the car would be

used by the company's duty officer, who is usually on call during the day. He

has requested that the car retain its light bar and siren.

Sandy Hook would assume all maintenance and insurance costs, Mr Halstead said.

It would also be willing to make up a portion of the trade-in difference,

which is usually around $3,000, according to Finance Director Ben Spragg.

The selectmen seemed in favor of the plan, but opted to delay a decision until

they could look into the matter further.

This has never been done in Newtown, but many other towns retain their old

police cars, according to Mike McCarthy, who was present at Monday's meeting

of the Board of Selectmen.

"I'm sure you'll get four or five more requests after this," Mr McCarthy

joked, figuring the four other volunteer fire companies and the ambulance

corps will now want their own cruisers.