According to Houlton Police Chief Joe McKenna, the department was in need of a new vehicle to replace two aging Crown Victoria Police Interceptors — a 2006 and 2011 with high mileage.
“There was enough money in the budget for us to buy two vehicles this year, so what we did is purchase one SUV and the truck,” McKenna said.
Traditionally, the department has purchased Ford Explorer sport utility vehicles as its patrol units after transitioning away from the more common Crown Victoria Interceptors. The Ford Explorers typically cost $28,500 unequipped. The F-150 truck cost $30,300.
“The nice thing is, I think we will get more life out of this vehicle,” McKenna said. “The truck will be much better for our road conditions. Our climate and roads are harsh.”
A new SUV typically lasts just four years before it needs to be replaced because of the high number of miles logged by officers. The department average about 35,000 miles per year per vehicle on patrols.
McKenna added that the new truck is averaging better gas mileage than the SUVs, which could result in a small savings.
At the moment, the truck is for McKenna to use and will not be used in patrol situations. However, that is not to say it could not be equipped for such in the future.
“If we want, we can easily put [police] decals on it and install a cage and it becomes a work truck,” McKenna said.
The truck can also serve as a mobile command center for major events, such as the plane crash that happened last summer.
“We will be able to get to places with this truck that the SUVs just couldn’t,” he said. “We can also carry more manpower and equipment and can use it to haul evidence back here [at the station] to process.”
