Ridgewood Police Department Unveils Pride-Themed Patrol Vehicle

RIDGEWOOD, NJ —The Ridgewood Police Department unveiled its first Pride-themed patrol vehicle on Friday, and officers said they hope the cruiser will serve as a symbol of the department's year-round commitment to equality.

The vehicle is a Chevy Tahoe with two large rainbow stripes and rainbow lettering on both sides, which will remain throughout Pride Month. The cruiser will be on display Saturday at Ridgewood's Pride Celebration, which starts at 2 p.m. at Van Neste Square, South Walnut Street between Dayton Street and Edgewood Avenue.

Ridgewood Police Chief Jacqueline Luthcke said the goal of the vehicle-outreach project is to encourage positive relations with all residents, especially the LGBTQIA+ community.

"We are proud to serve and protect all citizens, regardless of their sexual identification or orientation" Luthcke said. "We see this patrol vehicle as a visual reminder of our intent to be an inclusive law enforcement organization."

Pride Month takes place every June, and it commemorates the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, which helped spark the modern Gay rights movement.