Rutland Police Upgrades Patrol Fleet

RUTLAND, Ohio — The Rutland Police Department is upgrading its fleet of patrol vehicles with cruisers received through a donation from the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

The Patrol donated two retired 2020 Dodge Charger police interceptors to the Village in July through the groundwork completed by Village Marshal Zachary Cross.

Mayor Tyler Eblin and Marshal Cross announce the first patrol vehicle has been placed in service, equipped with a new radar and mobile computer, on which the Ohio Law Enforcement Information System (OLEIS) is accessible.

Officers utilize OLEIS to obtain data regarding motor vehicles, the license status of registered owners, and issue electronic traffic citations, among other law enforcement purposes.

Both cruisers will replace the existing fleet which consists of two 2014 police interceptors, obtained through a donation from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, both of which are experiencing costly mechanical issues and are becoming unfit for police patrol and pursuit purposes. 

With the color of the new cruisers being different than the existing black cruisers, the Village opted to select a new marking scheme that would best fit the silver color characteristic. 

Mayor Eblin notes that by maintaining the silver color and altering the marking scheme, the Village saved nearly $4,000 in taxpayer funding.

“This very generous donation from the Ohio State Highway Patrol has given the Village the opportunity to secure patrol cruisers of just three years of age with a minimal maintenance burden, reducing overall projected operating costs for Village taxpayers,” comments Mayor Eblin. “The cruisers are in excellent shape and the Village extends a very sincere appreciation to our friends at the Ohio State Highway Patrol.”

Mayor Eblin also commends Marshal Cross for his work in securing the new cruisers and explains that patrol car 4202 will placed in service this month. Patrol car 4201 is actively patrolling Village streets.

Originally founded in 1913 as the Rutland Marshal’s Office along with the Rutland Jail, the Rutland Police Department provides regular police protection and law enforcement services to a Village of approximately 450 residents.