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Grantham police report multiple cruiser failures, department temporarily down to two vehicles
Summary
Police Chief John Parsons reported a catastrophic lifter failure that damaged a Tahoe's camshaft and coolant-tank failures in Chargers, leaving the department with two operational cruisers; parts and equipment transfers are underway and a new Tahoe is expected by mid- to late-January.
Police Chief John Parsons told the Board Dec. 22 that the department has experienced multiple vehicle failures that reduced available cruisers.
"The lifter in the Tahoe blew up last week. It was towed to Key Chevrolet in Newport," Parsons said, describing the sequence of repairs and equipment transfers involving Key Chevrolet, Adamsons and MacMulkin Chevrolet. Parsons reported that the lifter failure also damaged the cam shaft and that, as of his update, the vehicle should be ready within about a week; parts were expected to arrive within one to two weeks and the new Tahoe could be ready by mid‑January or the end of January.
Parsons also reported repeated coolant-tank problems in the department's Chargers: "The coolant tank was cracked and split. Mike Willis ordered a new one and when it arrived, it was cracked. He was able to find another one, so that car is back up and running. He stated that they have replaced the coolant tanks in both Chargers." He warned the board there may come a point where an older Charger may not last until 2027.
The department is managing vehicle rotations and equipment stripping between cars and dealers while awaiting parts. No formal emergency spending decision was requested at the meeting; Parsons provided the operational update for board awareness.
