Campton Hills police are ready for off-roading

The Campton Hills Police Department soon will be the proud owner of a new Ford Expedition.

Village trustees last week reluctantly approved the purchase for about $33,000 at the request of Police Chief Greg Anderson.

Anderson told village board members his officers need a four-wheel-drive vehicle capable of navigating snow-covered hills and driveways in the winter, although several on the board said they would rather use vehicles that consume less fuel and generate fewer emissions.

The chief also told the board it's time to begin rotating its police vehicle fleet, with all of the existing cars having more than 100,000 miles on their odometers.

"With the mileage on these vehicles, they're unpredictable," agreed village board member Jim Kopec.

Anderson initially requested two Ford Expeditions at a cost of roughly $66,000 through the Northwest Municipal Conference, but the board agreed to buy only one for now. The vehicle comes fully stocked with lights, sirens and other necessary equipment, he said.

The board also instructed the chief to continue scouring the market for vehicles, perhaps hybrids, that would be suitable for both police work and the environment.