Ringgold Police Department spruces up Humvees

The Ringgold police fleet got stronger both figuratively and literally last week after its newly acquired military Humvees were returned to the department with upgrades and a fresh look.

The department's new four-wheel-drive vehicles, complete with a sporty new black-and-white paintjob and agency logo, can be seen at Ringgold City Hall, and have already turned a few heads when seen around town.

“That's a pretty awesome ride,” said Ringgold resident Kirk Abernathy, after seeing the vehicle roar down Nash-ville Street. “Definitely the baddest police vehicle I've ever seen.”

Police chief Dan Bilbrey said the department was awarded the two Humvees in August after applying for them via government surplus.

“The surplus vehicles were donated, and didn't cost the department anything,” Bilbrey said. “They'll only be used on a limited basis, and if the military were to need them back for whatever reason, they'd be returned of course.”

After the vehicles were brought to Ringgold from Macon, Ga., the department was awarded a private grant of $3,000 by Norfolk Southern to assist with upgrades to the vehicles.

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