Gadsden, AL – Gadsden State Community College’s Police and Public Safety Department is now equipped with a state-of-the-art safety vehicle, thanks to a fully grant-funded initiative. The department was awarded a community development grant to purchase a Polaris Ranger NorthStar/Police Edition, a versatile vehicle designed to enhance the college’s ability to serve its campuses and surrounding communities.
The new Polaris Ranger, announced by Gadsden State Police Chief Jay Freeman on Tuesday, is a multi-purpose tool featuring emergency lights, a siren, and off-road capabilities. This vehicle will allow officers to navigate rough terrains and reach remote areas more quickly, covering the college’s extensive three-county area.
Chief Freeman expressed gratitude to Dr. Kathy Murphy, President of Gadsden State Community College, and the local legislative delegation for their role in securing the grant. State Senator Andrew Jones, along with Representatives Mack Butler, Craig Lipscomb, and Mark Gidley, were instrumental in supporting the funding effort.
“Providing a safe college campus is more important than ever in this day and time,” said Senator Jones. “I commend the work of the Gadsden State Police Department, and I’m happy that our legislative delegation could help better equip them to meet the various security challenges that the Gadsden State community faces.”
Chief Freeman emphasized that the new vehicle would significantly improve the department’s response times and efficiency in emergencies, ultimately enhancing the safety and security of students, faculty, staff, and surrounding communities.
“The ability to respond to emergencies more efficiently and to offer faster assistance in critical situations ultimately enhances the safety and security of our students, faculty, staff, and surrounding communities, so we appreciate this investment and know it will make a difference,” Freeman said.
Beyond emergency response, the Polaris Ranger will also play a crucial role in assisting during special events on campus, such as graduation ceremonies, and in navigating the college’s diverse and sometimes challenging terrains. The new addition represents a significant boost to the department’s ability to ensure a secure environment across Gadsden State’s campuses.
