The town of Dozier is the proud recipient of a new fully equipped 2009 Crown Victoria after Gov. Bob Riley approved a Law Enforcement Equipment/Traffic Safety Grant through ADECA and the U.S. Department of Justice for the Dozier Police Department.

“This is something that’s been needed for a long time,” Dozier Police Chief Terry Mears said. “I believe this is the first ‘new car’ the town has ever received before.”

The new car, which will replace a 1998 Ford Crown Victoria, came after Mears received word that the department would be awarded a $25,000 ADECA grant for the vehicle. Mears wrote the grant for the vehicle and is proud of the town’s newest addition.

The match for the town of Dozier was $2,777. At the town council’s June 8 meeting, the resolution for the approval of the car was passed on a 4-2 vote, with Councilmembers Linda Hutto and Ann Holland not signing the resolution. Holland is on the Dozier Police Committee, along with Councilmembers Abbie Langston and Johnnyphar Davis. When asked why she did not sign the resolution approving the town’s new police car, Holland said, “I have no comment.”

However, this has not deterred Mears from pushing forward with his plans to improve the department and its equipment.

“Officer safety is the most important thing for any police department, and being able to respond to a call safely is just as important,” Mears said.

Dozier Mayor Karen Davis agreed with Mears.

“The approval of this grant is a move in the right direction for the town of Dozier,” Davis said. “We have some wonderful people here, and they deserve the best.”

The Dozier Police Department has also received a brand new computer from ADECA to be used for E-Crash and E-ticket. This computer will eventually be installed in the new police vehicle as well.