Businesses around St. Marys came together to help purchase a police car for the St. Marys Area School District.
“In today’s world of tight finances, buying a police car, unfortunately, is not at the top of our needs list, it’s certainly a want,” Superintendent Brian Toth said.
So superintendent Brian Toth had school resource officer John Lovett reach out to businesses for donations.
Bluewater Thermal Solutions, St. Marys Auto Body, Buerk’s Septic Service, Metco Industries, City of St. Marys, Steve’s Lawnmower Repair, Sinterfire Inc. and Elk County Ammo and Arms all were willing to contribute.
“It wasn’t totally surprising, but it was heartwarming,” Officer John Lovett said. “The response that I got from the businesses just made me feel good all over.”
The car was purchased from the St. Marys Police Department, who were going to retire the vehicle.
It will be used for patrolling the schools, at sports games and events, and for traffic enforcement.
The school district hopes next to raise money for new vests for the officers and a bomb and drug sniffing K9.