Chief Kenny testifies for removal of Lacey Used Auto from towing list

The Lacey Township governing body convened on April 10, 2025, to address significant concerns regarding the local towing contractor, Lacey Used Auto Parts. Chief Christopher Kenny presented a request for the removal of the company from the township's rotating towing list, citing repeated failures to respond to calls for service over the past two years.

During the meeting, Chief Kenny detailed that Lacey Used Auto had not answered approximately 81 calls from 2020 to 2024, while only accepting service requests 51 times. This inconsistency has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the towing service, which is crucial for timely responses to accidents and other emergencies. The chief emphasized that the lack of reliable towing services hampers the police department's operations, particularly when dispatchers are working alone and need immediate assistance.

Mister Caputo, the owner of Lacey Used Auto, acknowledged the issues but requested a chance to rectify the situation. He explained that he had recently acquired a second tow truck and hired additional personnel to ensure better availability. Caputo attributed many of the missed calls to after-hours issues and equipment failures, which he claims have now been resolved.

The governing body discussed the possibility of removing Lacey Used Auto from the towing list while allowing them to reapply once they can demonstrate compliance with the township's requirements. This approach aims to ensure that the towing service meets the necessary standards for reliability and responsiveness.

In conclusion, the governing body decided to proceed with the removal of Lacey Used Auto from the towing list, with the option for the company to reapply after providing updated information about their equipment and personnel. This decision reflects the township's commitment to maintaining high standards for public safety and service reliability, ensuring that residents have access to dependable towing services when needed.