OTTAWA — Now that Ford has decided to stop making its full-sized four-door rear-wheel-drive Crown Victoria sedan, police departments scrambling to collar another type of patrol car. Despite its dowdy and pedestrian look, Franklin County Sheriff Jeff Curry said he’ll miss the Crown Vic. It was large, safe and reliable and perfectly suited for patrol work. Curry said he’s leery of the department’s previous experience with front-wheel-drive cars and when Ford decided to concentrate on a large front-wheel car, he said it was time to look another product. His department looking at the sportier-looking Dodge Charger or Chevy Caprice police-package cars, which have heavier suspensions and beefier electrical systems. Ottawa Police Chief Dennis Butler said his department is also trying out different new models of cars and SUVs as a replacement for Crown Vics. Ottawa buys two new patrol cars each year and the city just picked up its last two Crown Vics earlier this year, he said. Butler says many cars on the road are front-wheel drive but he’s still looking at whether that will include the Ottawa department.
Tuesday, March 29, 2:30 p.m.
