Somerville Police Department Orders 8 New Cruisers, 8 Motorcycles in the Wake of Flash Flooding

On July 20, 2010, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times

26 Public Safety Vehicles Damaged or Destroyed in Flash Flooding Last Weekend; 10 Additional Vehicles Still Being Assessed

(from the city of Somerville)

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone announced today that the City of Somerville has placed an immediate order of eight new Ford Crown Victoria Interceptors, and eight new Harley Davidson motorcycles for use as the Somerville Police Department’s front line vehicles. During severe flash flooding on Saturday, July 10, 2010, 26 police vehicles were damaged or destroyed, including 18 marked cruisers and Detective vehicles, and eight Harley Davidson motorcycles. The 16 vehicles, which will cost an estimated $324,182, will be purchased as part of an emergency expenditure by the City. Also damaged in the flooding were eight police radios. The remaining 10 cruisers are still in the process of cleaning and sanitizing, and will be assessed for damages in the coming weeks.

“Though it has been more than week since the City saw catastrophic flooding across Somerville, City employees, residents and business owners are still in the midst of cleanup efforts, and grappling with the growing costs of rebuilding and repairing damaged property,” Mayor Curtatone said. “This was a 100 year storm that dropped 4.3 inches of rain on Somerville within one hour, and the damage to vehicles, homes, and personal property has already been estimated at well over $10 million. The purchase of these 16 new vehicles will help us continue to ensure that, first and foremost, we provide for the safety of our residents, and are prepared for any public safety issues that can arise at a moment’s notice. We will continue to assess the damage to the community, and work together to rebuild quickly.”

The Public Safety Building, which suffered significant damage to electrical, E-911, and Co-Generation systems, remains closed for business. Electrical tests are still being conducted, and transformers tested and replaced. Somerville Police operations have been set up at the West Neighborhood Substation in Teele Square, and the State’s Mobile 9-1-1 Unit has been operating outside of the Public Safety Building since Tuesday, July 13.

Initial air quality tests on the building show no lingering ill effects from the flash flooding. Microbial and hydrocarbon tests are expected back later this week.

“I want to again thank Secretary Mary Beth Heffernan for her continued support and assistance, particularly providing the City of Somerville with the Mobile Unit to have our E-911 dispatchers working out of Somerville,” Mayor Curtatone said. “Also, last week state officials came to survey and assess the damage to residences and businesses throughout the City. We will continue to work with them to determine whether a disaster declaration will be made and, subsequently, federal assistance provided to our community members.”

“I am grateful to the Mayor and to all of the Somerville Police Officers, Firefighters, and other City employees who have worked tirelessly to ensure that our Police operations continue as usual, and that our residents are provided with the best public safety service, especially during this difficult time,” said Acting Chief of Police Michael Cabral.