A few months after the Great Depression rocked the country, the Mayor and Commissioners of the Town of Elkton took a major step forward, purchasing a patrol car for the two-man police force. This was the first police car for local law enforcement in Cecil County, local dealer Warren W. Boulden selling the 1930 Ford to the town for $493.
A local newspaper, suggesting that Chicago gangsters should steer of Elkton, criticized the modernization of the department. “Although the Elkton Police may be short in number, they are now long on equipment. A year or more ago they were furnished with impressive-looking revolvers and Sam Browne Belts, and now an automobile in which to dash around. Certainly, Chicago racketeers and gangsters should steer clear of Elkton,” the Cecil Democrat editorialized.
In the photo (L to R) Mayor Taylor McKinney, Night Officer Albert Buckworth, and Chief George Potts proudly have their photo taken with the new vehicle.
For More on the Elkton Police Department Also See
George Potts, Elkton’s First Police Chief
Chief Thomas McIntire Guided Elkton Police into the Modern Era
Notes and Sources:
A Cecil Star photo from the issue of Feb. 15, 1930. Photo in personal collection.