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"You have a choice," Police Chief Martin Kahn said. "You can drink and drive and be a danger to yourself and others. Or you can call a cab and get a ride."
The two-week transformation of the Ford Crown Victoria into half police car/half taxi was sponsored by Adel Saadalla, owner of Johnny's Taxi and Fairview Taxi, and handled by MAACO.
The hood reads "Booze It & Lose It," along with a handcuff decal. Written on the side: "Choose Your Ride."
"We hope people make the wise decision to ride in the back of a cab instead of a cop car if they've had too many alcoholic beverages," Fairview Mayor Vincent Bellucci said. "If you've been drinking, you shouldn't be driving."
Lt. John Pierotti was the driving force behind getting the hybrid completed. He brought the idea to Saadalla, who agreed on the importance of the message.
The vehicle will turn up at schools and other events, Kahn said.
"You may see us riding around it it," he added.
EDITOR'S NOTE: ADT, one of the sponsors, has a resource page with information on the event, as well as some safety and crime facts: http://www.adtsecurity.com/national-night-out-2016/
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