Jemison Police Chief Shane Fulmer hopes his department’s five new vehicles will help give the city its own “signature look.”

One of the five vehicles is already being used for patrols, and the others need only to be striped with the city’s unique design. All are 2010 models and feature a new gray color.

“That was the thing, for them to be more identifiable,” Fulmer said.

The vehicles are replacing some 2005 models in the city’s fleet that are nearing or have surpassed the 100,000-mile mark.

“That’s a lot for a patrol unit,” Fulmer said. “When you get there, your maintenance costs increase. The cars aren’t as safe. They just get worn out.

“It’s not a smart thing to do financially to spend the taxpayers’ money on the increased maintenance.”

The vehicles, which include three Ford Crown Victorias and one K-9 unit, were acquired through a three-year lease agreement. The city will make three annual payments of $59,000 and then take over ownership of the vehicles.

The Jemison City Council voted on Dec. 7, 2009 to allow for the purchase of the vehicles.

Also included in that amount is the latest technology.

The state will soon require that all patrol units be equipped with e-citation hardware. Fulmer said the new units will meet that requirement.

“We’re right where we need to be with the current demands–and for future demands that we will see,” Fulmer said.