Pub. 57 2016-2017 Issue 2

11 WINTER 2016 keeping the citizens of Dallas safer for years to come,” said Bobby Baillargeon, chairman of the DFW NCDA. The $1 million presentation was made during a press conference at DPD Headquarters on Sept. 30. DPDChief of Police David O. Brown, who was on hand to accept the donation, was overwhelmed by the magnitude of the gesture from the DFW NCDA. “That’s seven digits. That’s pretty sig- nificant,” Brown said. According to Brown, the Tahoes will be used for Patrol Emergency Response Tactical Teams (PERTT). Each ve- hicle will be made “road ready” for officers by being outfitted with four armored doors, a tactical box, a com- puter, a police radio, lights, and shields and helmets. “We are so thankful to the New Car Dealers Association for such a generous gift. These vehicles and the additional donation for protective equipment will be used by officers assigned to our patrol emergency response teams who respond to some of the most critical and dangerous incidents in the city,” Chief Brown said. Lee J. Chapman, president of the DFW NCDA, spoke about the im- portance of the donation. “This was all about helping the Dallas Police Department and, more importantly, helping the officers. They do so much for us and are very underappreciated. So, we wanted to show them our ap- preciation and to put them in a better position to react to situations like what happened in July,” he said. In addition to being used by police officers in first response emergency situations, the Tahoes will be taken to community events by the DPD so that citizens can see what capabilities the vehicles have. “The public will also have an opportu- nity to view these specially equipped vehicles when they are displayed at special events such as National Night Out and Chief on the Beat. Support from stakeholders in our community is what helps keep our officers safe and what makes Dallas the safest city in the country,” Brown added. Baillargeon noted that the $1 million donation is the largest donation that the DFWNCDA has ever made since its inception six years ago. “The DFWNCDA values its relation- ship with the Dallas Police Depart- ment. And on behalf of the DFW NCDA, I would like to say that I am extremely proud of the generosity and love of community our dealer members have displayed,” Baillargeon added. Chapman agreed. “We have the best dealers in the country; not only how they treat their customers, but how they contribute to the communities.” 