October 25, 2023
Photo – One of the sheriff’s office vehicles – Bigfoot99 file photo
Earlier this month, the Board of Carbon County Commissioners approved the purchase of two pre-owned police vehicles for the Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Alex Bakken said his department needs to replace two aging vehicles. Instead of waiting up to a year and a half for new vehicles to become available, Sheriff Bakken said it was faster and cheaper to buy used. The sheriff said he bought two used police-outfitted Ford Explorers from Asia Motors, a dealership specializing in pre-owned government vehicles, in Melrose Park, Illinois.
The COVID pandemic caused global microchip shortages and supply chain issues. The situation is not expected to significantly improve any time soon. Sheriff Bakken said he searched the country for appropriately outfitted law enforcement vehicles. The sheriff said the pre-owned SUVs will arrive sooner than a brand-new police vehicle.
Sheriff Bakken said Asia Motors will deliver the two Ford Explorers. The sheriff said he hopes the vehicles will arrive by the middle of next month. However, Sheriff Bakken said he doesn’t know exactly how the dealership intends to get the vehicles from Illinois to Rawlins.
The two police spec Ford Explorers will cost $99,720 in total. Sheriff Bakken said the price covers all the necessary modifications the vehicles will require. The sheriff said because of how badly they’re needed, the SUV’s will see almost immediate use once they arrive.
The two used Ford Explorers aren’t the only new vehicles the Sheriff’s Office has ordered. Sheriff Bakken said yesterday, he received two brand-new Chevy Silverados ordered in February. The sheriff said the two Silverados should hit the streets this weekend.
