05/21/25
City of Glencoe donates police vehicle to ߣߣÉäÉ«ÇéƬ
GADSDEN, AL - The City of Glencoe has made a significant contribution to campus safety by donating a fully equipped 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe to the ߣߣÉäÉ«ÇéƬ Police and Public Safety Department for just one dollar.
Students from the ߣߣÉäÉ«ÇéƬ Collision Repair program, led by instructor Bruce Hill, performed critical repairs on the Tahoe, saving the college thousands of dollars in labor and parts. Instead of sending it to a commercial repair shop, students stepped in to perform the necessary repairs including body work and paint. This hands-on experience provided valuable training while also saving the college thousands of dollars.
“These students got an education and saved us thousands,” said Chief of Police Jay Freeman. “We are blessed to have these programs at ߣߣÉäÉ«ÇéƬ to help create job opportunities for our students. It was a win-win.”
“We want ߣߣÉäÉ«ÇéƬ to be as safe as our own community,” said Glencoe Mayor Chris Hare. “Glencoe ranks among the safest cities in Alabama. With many of our students continuing their education at ߣߣÉäÉ«ÇéƬ, it’s a priority for us to help ensure their safety.”
The Glencoe City Council voted to surplus the vehicle for one dollar, reflecting its commitment to public safety and education. Mayor Hare formally presented the keys to ߣߣÉäÉ«ÇéƬ President Dr. Kathy Murphy and Chief Freeman during a recent ceremony.
“We truly value the partnership we’re building with the City of Glencoe,” said Dr. Murphy. “Student safety is a cornerstone of our mission, and this generous donation directly supports our efforts to strengthen our police and public safety presence across all campuses.”
The Tahoe, already equipped with a protective cage, radar, emergency lights, sirens, and other police gear, will immediately go into service to support patrol operations and campus events.
“We are very grateful to Mayor Hare, the Glencoe City Council, and Chief McKenzie for their extraordinary generosity,” said Chief Freeman. “This vehicle is not just a donation—it’s an investment in the safety of our students, faculty, and staff across all five campuses. Partnerships like this make a lasting impact on our college and the communities we serve.”
Established in July 2023, the ߣߣÉäÉ«ÇéƬ Police and Public Safety Department is a team of certified law enforcement officers and public safety personnel dedicated to protecting and serving the college community.
For more information about ߣߣÉäÉ«ÇéƬ Police and Public Safety Department, visit www.gadsdenstate.edu/safety-security.cms.
(From left) Glencoe Chief of Police Kenon McKenzie, Glencoe Mayor Chris Hare, ߣߣÉäÉ«ÇéƬ President Kathy Murphy, ߣߣÉäÉ«ÇéƬ Vice President Alan Smith, and ߣߣÉäÉ«ÇéƬ Chief of Police Jay Freeman pose with the police vehicle following the donation from the City of Glencoe.
ߣߣÉäÉ«ÇéƬ Chief of Police Jay Freeman shakes hands with Glencoe Chief of Police Kenon McKenzie reaffirming both organizations commitment to keeping the local communities safe.
ߣߣÉäÉ«ÇéƬ collision repair program students worked to prepare the cruiser for duty by applying their body and paint work skills.