Glencoe Police Donates Patrol Vehicle to Gadsden State Community College Police
GADSDEN, AL — In a show of strong inter-agency cooperation and commitment to community safety, the Glencoe Police Department has donated a fully equipped 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe to the Gadsden State Community College (GSCC) Police and Public Safety Department for just one dollar. This strategic partnership highlights how collaboration between local law enforcement and educational institutions can lead to innovative, cost-effective public safety solutions.
The donation was made official during a recent ceremony in which Glencoe Mayor Chris Hare presented the vehicle’s keys to Gadsden State President Dr. Kathy Murphy and GSCC Chief of Police Jay Freeman. The Tahoe—complete with emergency lights, sirens, radar, and a protective cage—will immediately go into service to support campus patrol operations and events across all five GSCC campuses.
“This vehicle is not just a donation—it’s an investment in the safety of our students, faculty, and staff,” said Chief Freeman. “We are very grateful to Mayor Hare, the Glencoe City Council, and Chief Kenon McKenzie for their extraordinary generosity. Partnerships like this make a lasting impact on our college and the communities we serve.”
Mayor Hare echoed the sentiment, noting the importance of ensuring student safety, especially with many Glencoe residents pursuing higher education at Gadsden State.
“Glencoe ranks among the safest cities in Alabama, and we want Gadsden State to be just as safe,” said Hare. “It’s a priority for us to contribute to that mission.”
A key component of this initiative involved students from Gadsden State’s Collision Repair program, led by instructor Bruce Hill. Instead of outsourcing the vehicle’s repairs to a commercial shop, the students performed all necessary body work and repainting themselves. This not only saved the college thousands of dollars but also provided the students with invaluable hands-on experience.
“These students got an education and saved us thousands,” said Chief Freeman. “It was a win-win.”
The collaboration underscores the shared values of both departments. Glencoe Police Chief Kenon McKenzie emphasized his department’s commitment to service and leadership.
“Our mission is grounded in honor, truth, integrity, service, courage, and leadership,” said McKenzie. “Partnering with Gadsden State aligns perfectly with those values.”
Gadsden State President Dr. Kathy Murphy praised the growing relationship between the college and the City of Glencoe.
“Student safety is a cornerstone of our mission,” said Murphy. “This generous donation directly supports our efforts to strengthen our police and public safety presence. We truly value this partnership.”
The Glencoe City Council’s unanimous vote to surplus the Tahoe for one dollar is just one example of the city’s broader commitment to supporting education and public safety initiatives. It also reflects a model of civic-minded cooperation that both agencies hope will inspire similar efforts across the state.
For more information about the Gadsden State Police and Public Safety Department, visit www.gadsdenstate.edu/safety-security.cms.
