JACKSON — For the first time, the officers with the Jackson Police Department are driving brand new patrol cars.

On Tuesday morning, town officials along with Susan Christensen, an Area Specialist with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development, gathered to complete the final paperwork on the two new police vehicles.

According to Christensen, USDA Rural Development provided $25,600 in low interest loans and $13,600 in grants for the purchase of two 2009 Chevrolet Impala “Police Interceptors” complete with necessary equipment.

The two new vehicles are replacing two Ford Crown Victorias (2000 and 2003 models) with high mileage and costly maintenance.

According to Police Chief John Young, the 2009 vehicles are the first new patrol cars the department has ever had.

Young said in the past, the department’s patrol cars have always been purchased used from the State Highway Patrol.

The police department employs one full-time officer (Young) and four part-time officers.

Young said he along with his officers are very excited about the new vehicles.

“Actually it’s a good financial investment with the grant,” said Chief Young.

Young added the new cars were a morale boost to both his officers and the citizens of Jackson.

“The taxpayers get to see their money at work,” he said.

Young said the state-of-the-art police vehicles suit the town’s environment. He described the vehicles as “quick and nimble.”

“They’ll scoot,” he said.

Young said the silver, blue and red color scheme on the vehicles was selected to reflect the planes flown by the Tuskegee Airmen.

Young thanked Christensen for securing the loans and grant for the purchase of the new vehicles.

Christensen said she has one of the best jobs, especially when she can help a police department that had never had new vehicles before.

“A project like this…it’s just great,” she said.

Young said the older cars will be sold and the money will be used to help pay off the new vehicles.