New Lower Township police cars roll in black and white

The department on Thursday unveiled its new emblem featuring a picture of the Cape May Lighthouse, which is located next to Cape May Point State Park, and, like the park itself, is actually in Lower Township.

Mayors in Lower Township, Cape May and Cape May Point have sparred in years past over claims to the lighthouse. Although it has been called the Cape May Light on nautical maps going back to the 19th century, Lower Township has stressed it is actually in the township. Even Cape May Point has claimed the beacon, since it is closer to the borough than to the city of Cape May. Cape May Point's municipal vehicles, including the volunteer fire company, feature art of the lighthouse.

Lower Township, settled in the mid-17th century, has seniority on the two Cape Mays, as both Cape May City and Cape May Point were carved out of the township during the 19th century.

Police Chief Ed Donohue said he kept the original triangle as part of the emblem, a State Police symbol dating to 1921, but added the lighthouse to "portray our own sense of identity for our patrol area."

Although often thought of as a mainland town, Donohue noted the township has nine miles of coastline and runs from the Atlantic Ocean to the Delaware Bay, as far north as the George Redding Bridge and as far south as Sunset Beach. The township shares borders with six other municipalities.

The new emblem includes the slogan: "Lower Township Police, Serving Ocean to Bay Since 1955."

The emblem, however, is actually just the window dressing for a complete makeover of the police vehicles. The department is going retro by bringing back the black and white motif to its marked patrol cars and four-wheel-drive vehicles.

Donohue is changing the fleet from all-white Ford Crown Victorias to black and white Dodge Chargers and Durangos. Initial plans call for five new patrol vehicles, one paid for with a federal grant, as well as two four-wheel-drive Dodge Durangos.

With local taxpayers often complaining about police costs, Donohue said the Dodge Charger police package sells for slightly less than the Crown Victoria. It gets comparable gas mileage, even with its V-8 Hemi engine.

Donohue said the Hemi will stand up to the rigors of police use and provide the necessary acceleration. The vehicle has features that will improve officer safety, including wider tires for better road handling and a superior braking system, he said.

The department also looked at the battery system, trunk space to carry police gear, the safety shield separating officers from prisoners, suspension and other features before making a decision.

Donohue said the first new vehicles will be on the streets on Memorial Day weekend. He credited Capt. Brian Marker and Harold Carty of the township Public Works Department with creating the new designs, including the new emblem.

E-mail Richard Degener:

RDegener@pressofac.com