MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The 6th Security Forces Squadron (SFS) received six new Dodge Chargers in July, with the first vehicle being patrol ready in September.
The vehicles were provided by the 6th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle management section through General Services Administration leasing.
All six vehicles are already patrolling MacDill after going through extensive upgrades to fully equip the necessary tools to accomplish the law enforcement and security mission on MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.
These upgrades include new decals, interior and exterior police lights, sirens, public announcement system, laptops, weapons racks, radar system, camera system, spot light and cages.
“These new vehicles have the capability to track speeds of oncoming traffic as well as outgoing traffic,” said Peter Phonemagedy, vehicle control officer. “Each vehicle has an electronic radar system mounted on the front windshield as well as the rear windshield, and has been precisely calibrated and certified to ensure accurate speed readings.”
In addition to the radar systems, the vehicles are also equipped with a camera system with the capability to record constant footage for a seven-day period.
“To assist patrolman, each vehicle is mounted with a Getac Rugged Tough Book, heavy duty laptop, which is capable of running license plates, background checks, and also used to process reports,” said Phonemagedy.
Phonemagedy and the supply team spent countless hours researching equipment and tools to ensure the new vehicles were equipped to accomplish the mission. The equipment installed cost approximately $62,000.
“The new Chargers are more noticeable and effective when it comes to law enforcement and patrolling,” said Staff Sgt. Leonardo Akens, emergency service team member. “So far, all of our patrolman really enjoy going out on patrol.”
“It gives me peace of mind knowing that my fellow defenders have the right tools and equipment to successfully do their job and to keep the MacDill community safe,” said Phonemagedy, vehicle control officer with the 6th Security Forces Squadron.