The Damariscotta Police Dept.’s new cruiser, a 2012 Ram 1500, is at the station and should be fully equipped and in service within two weeks.
Damariscotta Police Chief Chad Andrews said a local company will letter and outfit the vehicle, which will replace a black, unmarked 2006 Dodge Charger. The town will no longer have an unmarked vehicle.
Andrews sought out a four-wheel drive vehicle to replace the cruiser in order to access camp roads and other locations a car can’t reach and to have another option in winter weather.
The Damariscotta Board of Selectmen unanimously approved the purchase at its Dec. 21, 2011 meeting.
At the time, the town expected to take delivery of the vehicle within 60 days. Andrews said a manufacturing glitch caused the delay.
The purchase price of the truck is $23,893. Newcastle Chrysler subtracted $3500 for the trade value of the Charger. Equipment and lettering costs about $4000-$5000.
A police vehicle reserve account will cover the purchase.
The truck features a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine, a six-speed automatic transmission, advanced fuel efficiency technology and a five-year, 100,000-mile power train warranty, according to the dealership.