The Abbotsford Police Department (APD) has completed the restoration of a vintage police cruiser named in honour of the late Insp. Carol Powell.
“Carol” is a 1965 Chevy Biscayne that was located in Spokane, Wash. and transported to Abbotsford early this year.
Over the next several months, APD officers and several community partners volunteered their time to restore the vehicle in celebration of the department’s 65th anniversary this year.
The department operated as the Matsqui Police Department for 40 years and then 25 years as the APD, after the communities of Matsqui and Abbotsford amalgamated to become the City of Abbotsford.
The project was done in partnership with the Abbotsford Police Foundation, a charitable organization that funds APD programs and projects not covered by its operating budget.
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The cruiser has been named for Powell, who recently passed away after a battle with cancer, in keeping with the tradition of vintage vehicles commonly being named after a significant female figure.
Powell served Vancouver and Abbotsford for 34 years and dedicated much of her spare time to the City of Abbotsford and the APD.
She and her husband, retired sergeant Mike Powell, dressed up each year as Santa and Mrs. Claus to visit sick children, and hosted many of the APD’s Halloween parties for kids.
Powell eagerly watched the restoration of the car, but died just prior to its completion. Her family joined the APD at the unveiling on July 9.
Sgt. Chris Nightingale was the project’s main coordinator.
“We would like to thank the Abbotsford Police Foundation, numerous community donors and countless others who have had a hand in making this project a success,” he said at the event.
The cruiser will be on display at upcoming community events.
