WALKERTON – Walkerton Chief of Police Matt Schalliol and MACOG representatives unveiled the region’s first pursuit-capable electric law enforcement vehicle in the region at a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Town of Walkerton’s police department on Tuesday, April 15.
Walkerton was awarded up to $72,062 for the vehicle and fleet charging through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program (EECBG) administered through the Indiana Office of Energy Development. Additionally, the town committed up to $16,000 towards the cost of upfitting.
“The Walkerton Police Department has always pursued the latest and greatest technology available to Law Enforcement,” said Walkerton Chief of Police Matt Schalliol. “With the inception of the new Chevy Blazer EV, the first true pursuit-rated EV Police Vehicle, we just knew we had to take that next step. The potential savings in fuel cost, along with being more environmentally friendly, just seemed like the right way to go with a new vehicle. The new Chevy Blazer EV has only been in service for about a week, so it’s too soon to comment on savings just yet,”
The Chevy Blazer EV has just shy of 500 horsepower, with acceleration from 60 MPH in 5.08 seconds, and a range of 297 miles with all-wheel drive.
The GM Envolve North Central Government Team shared, “We could not be more excited for the Walkerton Police Dept. and the all-new Blazer EV PPV (Police Pursuit Vehicle), the only true EV PPV on the market, to be added into service. As more states and municipalities implement plans to increase the efficiency of their operations and reduce fuel costs, the 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV PPV can help achieve them. While offering uncompromising performance and capability for officers. Designed for the needs of law enforcement, the purpose-built electrical architecture is explicitly prepared for the demands of an emergency. We look forward to this relationship with Walkerton PD.”
