COPS car swap wins nod by city and county officials By LARRY SEE JR. Members of the volunteer Citizens on Patrol program will soon have a new vehicle, thanks to a swap between Meade County and the city of Brandenburg. Police Chief Jeff Cox told city council members the current COPS car, donated by the county about two years ago, was on its last legs. “It was an old county cruiser and I will be going to the Fiscal Court to speak to them about a trade,” Cox said. “The county is willing to help us out and they have one of their white police cars that is now out of service.” During the Fiscal Court meeting, Sheriff Butch Kerrick said the swap would work out well, as one of their vehicles could be given to the city and they in turn could sell the old COPS car during an upcoming auction. “We got two good years out of that car,” Cox said. “And right now it is burning oil quite badly.” Cox said the volunteer program’s budget couldn’t support the necessary costs for maintenance, or a new car at this time. “If we had to look at buying a car we would have to look at some major issues as far as the funding goes,” Cox said. “They are in desperate need of a police car,” Kerrick told the magistrates. “It’s still able to be sold.” Both the council and Fiscal Court unanimously agreed to the swap. In other police news, Cox announced Officer Mike Smith has been promoted to full-time. Smith, who previously was a part-time officer, already has his necessary academy training. In other news: • Cox reported all officers have completed the firearms mobile simulator training, held recently in Hardinsburg. Cox said since the officers are certified, it could result in insurance cost savings for the city, • COPS sponsorship packets were distributed last week. The program’s fiscal year is July 1 through June 30, Cox said. Program volunteers will also assist with activities at the county fair. • The department was involved with the “Climb Aboard” program Saturday at the riverfront. The program allowed children to climb various equipment and chat with representatives. • The department will participate in the “Blue Lights Across The Bluegrass,” summer highway safety campaign. The event, held through July 31, focuses on speed enforcement, reduction of impaired driving and encouraging the public to use safety belts.
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