Taylorville Police Chief Dwyane Wheeler expressed much appreciation for the valuable assistance provided by Ford Motor Company and the Emergency Response Team in the wake of a recent derailment incident south of Taylorville.

Ford Motor Company donated a Ford F-150 to the Taylorville Police Department, a move that Chief Wheeler says symbolizes a commitment to community safety. This gesture not only fulfilled the department's vehicle fleet but also showed Ford's dedication to ensuring the well-being of local residents.

Chief Wheeler highlighted the ERT's decision to utilize the donated vehicle for training purposes as a move towards enhancing preparedness in emergency response scenarios. The versatility of the Ford F-150 will strongly augment the team's training capabilities, enabling them to simulate diverse situations and better equip themselves for real-world emergencies.

Acknowledging the collaborative effort, Chief Wheeler extended special thanks to the Stonington Police Department for facilitating the connection with Ford Motor Company, a partnership that made for the donation. 

Chief Wheeler commended Lieutenant Toberman, the ERT's Commander, for championing principles of safety and meticulous training within the organization. Recent investments in advanced equipment, such as grant-funded helmet-mounted cameras, further enhance the department's safety capabilities by providing total footage for analysis and training purposes.

Chief Wheeler expressed pride in the growth and readiness of the ERT, recognizing the crucial role of trained officers in safeguarding the community against unforeseen tragedies.