WESTFIELD—As news of carbon monoxide leaks in police vehicles spread across the country and in Massachusetts, no issues have been reported yet for the city’s police department but the vehicles in question are the ones the department uses, a member of the force said.
According to a member of the Westfield Police Department who wished to remain anonymous, the police department has the Ford Interceptor SUVs that have been linked to issues with carbon monoxide entering the vehicles. Issues related to the leak have been reported in areas including Auburn, Massachusetts where an officer reportedly passed out behind the wheel and crashed the vehicle.
One of the Ford Interceptors used by Westfield Police
The member of the Westfield Police said so far the Westfield Police Department has had no problems but the vehicles they operate are the ones that have had issues elsewhere.
According to our source, the department has been reviewing the issue since before the media coverage.
“We’re looking into it, working on it since before it hit the news,” they said. “We’re working with Ford and various departments.”
According to a press release on Ford Motor Company’s website dated Aug. 8:
“Ford’s investigation into this matter continues. However, while inspecting police vehicles throughout the country, company engineers consistently have found similar types of holes and unsealed spaces in the back of some Police Interceptor Utilities that had police equipment installed after leaving Ford’s factory.
“When a police or fire department routinely installs customized emergency lighting, radios and other equipment, they have to drill wiring access holes into the rear of the vehicle. If the holes are not properly sealed, it creates openings where exhaust could enter the cabin.”
The press release further said that the company “will cover the costs of specific repairs in every Police Interceptor Utility that may have this concern, regardless of age, mileage or aftermarket modifications made after purchase.”
