Fulton PD has a new vehicle which is unique to the area. This vehicle has drawn more attention lately than anything else we have purchased recently. People who have seen it are puzzled about what it is. It isn't really a car and it's not a golf cart either. So what is it?

It' s a GEM (Global Electric Motorcar), the latest innovation from Diemler Chrysler. It is an all electric vehicle which runs on six 12 volt batteries. This makes the vehicle quiet and environmentally friendly. The vehicle is fully street legal with lights, turn signals, horn and even a heater. The vehicle can attain speeds of up to 25 MPH and will run approximately 30 miles on a charge.

The GEM car replaces the 1988 Cushman Scooter which has been in service since 1989. Cushman sold out to a Canadian firm, who completely redesigned the vehicle. The cost of a new Cushman was 3 times the cost of the old one. After some research, we found the GEM car. There are very few in the mid Missouri area at present. The vehicle is commonly used in recreation areas throughout the country. as a rental  for sight seers. With some minor modifications, the vehicle has adapted well to meter enforcement use.

Linda Kronk has been the meter enforcement officer here for 19 years. This is the 3rd vehicle that she has driven since she came to work for FPD. She has a difficult time staying focused on her meter enforcement duties lately due to the frequent inquiries from curious citizens trying to figure out just exactly what kind of vehicle  it is.

The next time you see Linda downtown, be sure to stop her and ask about the GEM car. She is proud of her vehicle and would be more than happy to show it to you.