Eagan police will get new squad cars with old-fashioned flavor Posted 6/4/01 by Erin Johnson Staff Writer K-9 officer Jim Unger admits that heís a sentimental man. In fact, it was his sentimental tendency that led him to suggest to Police Chief Kent Therkelsen that the department return to the old black and whites ó squad cars like those he had seen on television when he was younger. ìI grew up in the late í60s, and my favorite show when I was growing up was Adam-12,î he said. ìThatís the show that inspired me to be a police officer, and to me, nothing symbolizes the police more than the black and white squad.î After receiving the chiefís approval to research it further, Unger contacted Advanced Graphics and discussed some possible designs for Eaganís new police cars. The department replaces six to eight cars of its 22-car fleet every year. One concern about the new cars was what would happen when the department was through with them and they were released to the general public. When cars are three years old, the department sells them at auction. They are often bought by cab companies, Unger said, but sometimes they are bought by the general population. The concern was that there might be confusion if the cars were driven by private citizens and officers alike. Unger spoke with other departments around the state that have gone to black and white vehicles to see how they handled it. None had faced any problems, he said, because the vehicles all get repainted before being auctioned off. Cars are also stripped of lights and other police equipment before being going to auction. Once that issue was resolved, the department had to choose the actual design of the new cars. Advanced Graphics sent over some designs based on Ungerís suggestions and they were presented to the officers for approval. The decision came down to two designs, with Therkelsen casting the deciding vote for the final design. The new cars feature the patch that officers wear on their uniforms, and a blue line through the word Eagan that Unger said represents the brotherhood of officers. ìAt least in my mind,î he said. The cars also feature a new light bar, which is rounded for better visibility. The department will begin with a couple of black and whites and eventually switch the entire fleet over to the new design. One of the new cars has already hit the streets, and another will be ready next week. All officers will have the new car by 2004. ìI donít even get one until 2003. Thatís just not right,î Unger said, laughing. He said fellow officers were split on the decision to change car designs ó younger officers were all for the change, while older officers preferred to stick with the blue cars. When speaking with other departments that had made the switch, however, Unger said they were all pleased with their new cars. ìPlymouth officers told me that their community response was overwhelmingly positive towards the black and whites ó they really liked them,î he said. ìYou just know when a black and white rolls up that the police are there.î Unger admits that even he has a reaction when he sees a police car on the road. ìAnybody, when you see a police car behind you, youíre heart beats a little faster, you let off the gas, you touch the brakes ... even me. Even when I see a cop and Iím driving around, I do the same thing,î he said. To go along with their new cars, Eagan officers also received new badges in April. Unger said heís pleased with the new badge because it includes an American flag like officers used to wear years ago. ìTheyíre heavier than heck, though,î he said. Although Unger has to wait a couple more years to actually drive one of the new cars, he still waxes nostalgic about their impact. ìItís just tradition to me,î he said. ìNothing is more traditional, and nothing offers a more visible presence in the community.î ©Thisweek Newspapers