Police chief at Newport says cruiser needs work

NEWPORT — Newport’s cruisers are experiencing some heavy-duty wear and tear, Chief Jim Ricker told selectmen Wednesday night.

Ricker said he doesn’t see how he can make both cars last another nine months, until the March annual town meeting can approve a new cruiser purchase, without some serious upgrading.

Newport has two cruisers, said Ricker, a 1993 Chevrolet with 99,000 miles and a 1989 Chevrolet with 144,000 miles. “If we keep on driving the new car at the same rate we have been, it’s going to be as worn out as the ’89,” Ricker said.

Right now, the older car has motor and transmission problems and is smoking, said Ricker.

He suggested giving the older car a complete overhaul and using it as the primary vehicle, thereby keeping the newer car in better shape for a longer period.

If his plan was approved, Ricker said he would be able to maintain both cars through 1996 and not come to the town for a new cruiser until March 1997. New cruisers are costing between $18,000 and $22,000, he said.

This plan, he said, would allow the newer car to be used as a safe, solid backup vehicle when a new cruiser is ultimately purchased. However, he said he would decide which car to use in March of 1997, depending on which is in the best condition. To not overhaul and provide maintenance, said the chief, would mean that both cars would be in desperate condition by next March.

The selectmen approved his idea and asked him to get several estimates on the overhaul to present at their next meeting.