Madison Police Chief Johnny Gandy said there is a shortage of fleet vehicles across the country, and it’s led to a bidding war among law enforcement agencies. Smaller agencies, like Madison Police, are losing that war, he said.
The department needs about 15 new patrol cars right now. Gandy said there were four ordered and promised to arrive about this time of year, but “the manufacturer contacted us and said we have to push back to August, maybe.”
But it’s not just police officers dealing with the shortage. Madison Fire & Rescue currently needs two vehicles and is waiting on a new firetruck. Fire Chief David Bailey said he does not expect it to come in on time.
