The department also welcomes the addition of 14 police cars, half of which they have.
By Times Staff Writer
Published May 30, 2003
ZEPHYRHILLS - The Zephyrhills Police Department will swear in two new patrol officers today, bringing the force up to full staff.
Chief Jerry Freeman said officers Terrance Fiscarelli and Michael O'Donovan were hired last month and have since completed training.
"We're ready to put them on the road now," Freeman said.
The two will be sworn in at 4 p.m. today in the conference room at City Hall.
On Thursday, Freeman sent officers to a car dealer in Maitland to pick up seven of the department's new patrol cars.
Under a financing plan from Ford Municipal Finance Program, the department will get 14 2003 Ford Crown Victorias, paying $83,362 a year for four years. The department will have to spend an additional $5,791 on the cage and accessories for the police dog vehicle and decals for all the cars.
With only $73,400 budgeted for cars last year, that left $15,753 for the department to make up on its own.
Freeman said officers worked together to reduce spending - primarily in overtime pay - to free up the money.
Freeman said the other seven cars could be ready next week, giving every police officer a take-home vehicle. Until now, the department's 13 patrol officers have had to share five cars among them.
