Phil Campbell Police Department adds new vehicle to its fleet

Thanks to COVID-19 relief funds, the Phil Campbell Police Department has added a 2021 Chevy Tahoe to its police fleet.

Phil Campbell Police Chief Jessica Clements said she will primarily be the one driving the vehicle, noting it represents a significant upgrade from the 2013 Crown Victoria she was primarily driving before this – a vehicle that was having problems.

Clements said it’s important to have reliable vehicles to help with responding to calls in a timely manner.

“I want to thank the mayor and council. This is a matter of safety,” she said. “Not having to worry about possibly having to jump off a car and take up time figuring out which vehicle to drive is important.”

Clements said the plans for the older vehicle are to keep it in use. Part-time officers will drive that one, along with the force’s other vehicle, a Chevy Caprice. Before the new vehicle arrived, the police department had only those two.

During the Nov. 2, 2021, city council meeting, Phil Campbell Mayor Mike McQuary explained police car purchases would be needed because the current vehicles were “going down in condition.”

“There’s a Durango coming, too,” added Clements. “Should be any day. My full-time officer, Kerry Hallman, will be in that one.”