Atlantic City became the first Police Department to get an all-electric patrol vehicle wrapped for the HERO Campaign.
The patrol car emblazoned with the campaign heralding designated drivers to prevent drunk driving was unveiled Wednesday on the Boardwalk in front of Tropicana Atlantic City.
The department's new Mustang Mach-E is the 21st HERO-wrapped patrol vehicle from police departments throughout South Jersey, but is the first to be all-electric.
“We are proud and excited to dedicate the HERO Campaign’s first all-electric patrol car wrapped with our life-saving message, ‘Be a HERO. Be a Designated Driver,’" said campaign Chairman Bill Elliott. "It will become a signature member of our growing fleet of 21 HERO Patrol Cars now serving as rolling billboards to prevent drunk and impaired driving.”
The HERO Campaign was created by Bill and Muriel Elliott to honor their son, Nay Ensign John Elliott.
Ensign Elliott, of Egg Harbor Township, was killed in July 2000, in a collision with a drunk driver who already had been arrested earlier for driving under the influence.
Elliott was driving home from Annapolis, Md., for his mother’s birthday celebration at the time of his death.
The Elliotts and friends established the HERO Campaign to prevent drunk driving by promoting the use of safe and responsible designated drivers.
“The Atlantic City Police Department is honored to partner with the HERO Campaign on the patrol car wrap program,” Police Chief James Sarkos said. “We were one of the first police departments to participate several years ago, so we know how valuable it is to use our HERO patrol vehicle to remind Atlantic City’s residents and visitors to have a designated driver when consuming alcoholic beverages. We’re proud that this Mustang Mach-E is the first all-electric vehicle in Atlantic City, and also the first in the HERO fleet.”
Somers Point will soon unveil a HERO-wrapped cruiser, joining Egg Harbor Township, Evesham Township, Galloway, Linwood, Little Egg Harbor Township, Lower Township, Margate, Middle Township, North Wildwood, Ocean City, Longport, Sea Girt, Sea Isle City, Pleasantville, Ventnor and Vineland.
Egg Harbor Township’s EMS Humvee also has a HERO wrap.
For more information visit HEROcampaign.org or call 609-626-3880.
