Fruitland Park is getting two new emergency vehicles – and the city is saving significant money in the process.
Both vehicles – a police car and a fire department SUV – are being purchased for less than the budgeted amounts. Both departments received higher bids for the two vehicles but Police Chief Erik Luce and Fire Chief Donald Gilpin recommended options to city commissioners that would provide them what they need and save money in the process.
The police department is awaiting arrival of a new 2019 Dodge Charger at a cost of $23,096, plus about $8,500 to add needed safety equipment. The department also received bids of $23,248 and $23,500 for similar sedan-type vehicles.
Fruitland Park officers typically drive Ford Explorers, but Luce said he made the decision to go with a sedan this time because it costs about $10,000 less.
“It was a significant savings,” he said.
The fire department received overall bids ranging from $43,729.91 to $58,882.50 for Ford Explorers and Chevy Tahoes. Gilpin elected to go with a 2020 Tahoe that cost $34,088, plus $9,641.91 for lights and safety equipment.
Both vehicles will be in service in the city shortly after they arrive.
