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Lorain police union concerned over aging police cars

Posted at 5:25 PM, Jan 23, 2017
and last updated 2017-01-23 19:31:35-05

The Lorain Fraternal Order of Police filed a grievance against the city, arguing that 13 police cruisers have more than 100,000 miles on them, creating unsafe working conditions for officers.

Most of the vehicles are 2008 models.

The grievance states the high mileage cruisers create an "imminent threat" to police officers involved in pursuits and emergency calls.

Union President Kyle Gelenius said a K9 cruiser has 125,000 miles on it.

He pointed out that when the floorboard rusted out, the city garage replaced it with a stop sign.

Another car has 121,00 miles on it.

Gelenius said the police cars need to be jumped to start often.

The FOP wants the city to stop using the patrol cars and replace them.

The city safety director said they're reviewing capital needs for all city departments.

But the union says new police cars should be a priority.

Lorain Mayor Chase Ritenauer told said the city put off buying police cars to avoid laying off officers.

He's looking for ways to pay for new cars including the possibility of a federal grant.