News Article

RCMP unveil latest patrol car


7/5/2004 11:19:30 AM


Brian Druken, instructor of the Automotive Service Technician program at the college’s PPD campus, poses with the restored police car.


A large contingent was on hand for the transfer ceremony. Included in the presentation were representatives from College of the North Atlantic, Irving Oil, and the RCMP.

July 2, 2004, St. John’s – The main patrol car for RCMP Traffic Services is a 1961. But, they aren’t complaining. In fact, they are delighted to have this car in their fleet! As of Friday, July 2nd, RCMP Traffic Services will take ownership of a 1961 Mercury Monterey four door sedan. It’s an antique patrol car that has been restored by the Automotive Service Technician students at College of the North Atlantic and sponsored by Irving Oil.

This car will be used by the RCMP throughout Newfoundland and Labrador to promote Community Policing, Drug Awareness, Crime Prevention, and Youth/School programs. It will be featured in parades, car shows, community events and promotions.

Irving Oil sponsored this car and paid for the majority of the restorations. They joined the RCMP's Traffic Services Unit in their dedication to improving public safety on our roadways. This car would never have happened without their support.

Several other companies have also donated their time and services to make this project possible including: Avalon Towing, John Brown’s Auto Supplies, Stanley’s Automotive, Goodyear Tire/Tire City, and VOCM Cares.

The main work on this car was done by the students and their Instructors at the college's Prince Philip Drive campus in St. John's. Their hard work and determination made this vehicle happen. The quality of their workmanship is very impressive and the RCMP will take great pride in displaying it at events throughout the province.

This project has been in the works since 2001, and there have been numerous classes involved with this car in one way or another. Many of the students have all graduated and moved on. Each of them should feel great pride when they see this car travelling throughout the province.

The car is a 1961 Mercury Monterey 4-door sedan, with a 352 cubic in. engine, three speed automatic transmission, power steering and power brakes. It was purchased new from Munn Motors Ltd. on Blackmarsh Road in either 1960 or 1961. The engine, transmission and brakes were rebuilt by Automotive Service Technician students, while the autobody repairs and refinish were completed by the Autobody Repair students.


This 1961 Mercury Monterey was fully restored by students at College of the North Atlantic over a three year period, with sponsorship by Irving Oil, and was turned over to the RCMP on Friday, July 2, 2004.

-30-

For more information contact:

Helen Cleary-Escott
Senior Communications Strategist
RCMP
709-772-7334/ 685-9147

Or

Stephen Lee
Communications Manager
College of the North Atlantic
(709) 643-7929