St. Johns County Sheriff David B. Shoar has shared with Historic City News the details of his new plan to substantially reduce the cost of replacing patrol vehicles as they approach the end of their useful life.
Replacing a fully outfitted new patrol vehicle costs the agency about $29,000.
The sheriff’s Fleet Supervisor, Al Tesori, has identified a number of vehicles whose useful life could be extended three years or more — if they meet certain criteria.
If the patrol vehicle is not over five years old, was never in a significant crash, has over 95,000 miles on the odometer, the body and interior are in “good condition” and the vehicle does not have an extensive maintenance history, it may qualify to be refurbished under the new plan.
The initial refurbishment of a 2007 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor, by comparison, costs the agency less than $5,500.
A refurbished patrol vehicle includes:
– A new engine with a three year or 100,000 mile warranty
– New seals, gaskets and filters
– Coolant and oil
– Replace lower ball joints, shocks and front struts
– brake system flush
– power steering flush
– transmission service
– rear differential service
– labor charge of $1,200
“While I realize that every vehicle can’t be refurbished, it is my desire to maximize savings wherever we can find them,” Shoar told Historic City News. “I believe we can keep the qualifying vehicles in service for a longer period of time — with a significant savings.”
Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News staff photographer