Sheriff's Department is upgrading its fleet of vehicles

Deputy Chuck Ihde with one of the Sheriff's Department's vehciles

The Winneshiek County Sheriff's Office is ready for winter. 

Fleet Manager Deputy Chuck Ihde has led the office's effort to purchase four-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles for primary patrol cars.  "This is a significant improvement to our fleet," Ihde says.  "It is vital to have the right equipment to respond to calls to service, and in northeast Iowa, that translates to vehicles as much as personal equipment." 

All-wheel drive vehicles have already proven to be a good decision for the office, and deputies have seen the benefits of these vehicles, such as response to off-road calls (fields, across creeks), rescue situations, and assessing road damage during the recent flooding.

Sheriff Dan Marx says, "We look forward to our improved ability to respond as winter weather sets in.  The biggest benefit is, of course, being able to help citizens and their loved ones in their critical times of need."  Marx adds that Ihde has been able to work with local dealerships to obtain law enforcement state bid prices.  Says Marx, "Our aim is to support local businesses as much as possible with these purchases rather than relying on dealerships from Des Moines and elsewhere across the state." 

Some of the Sheriff's Department's vehicles are trucks. Says the sheriff, "Few people realize that the trucks you now see on the road cost less to purchase than several of the traditional squad cars, and will have much higher resale value as well. They better serve our needs and save tax dollars for our citizens."