The Beaufort County Sheriff's Office maintains a diverse fleet of vehicles, many of which can be seen out on the streets of our community everyday, providing various patrol services to the citizens of Beaufort County .
Recently, however, the Sheriff's Office acquired a less-conventional vehicle, that many of you are sure to see in the numerous special events in which the Sheriff's Office participates throughout the year.
The Beaufort County Sheriff's Office Golf Cart
Completely restored by Hilton Head E-Z GO New and Used Golf Carts |
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In March 2001, an M1797 model E-Z GO golf cart was seized as evidence during a collaborative investigation conducted by the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office and federal agencies. The golf cart remained in a County impound lot awaiting location of its rightful owner for almost six years. As of October 2006, the golf cart remained unclaimed, at which time it was signed over as abandoned property to the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office Evidence Section.
Having sat in the impound lot for so long, the golf cart was in complete disrepair; however, an offer by Hilton Head E-Z GO New and Used Golf Carts soon gave it a new life and purpose for the Sheriff's Office.
When the golf cart arrived at E-Z GO in March 2007, it was completely inoperable and could only be moved by fork lift, or a group of people willing to push it. When Bruce Simmons, Retail Store Manager for E-Z GO, saw the golf cart, he saw an opportunity to provide a unique donation to the Sheriff's Office. Mr. Simmons and his skillful staff decided to undertake the ground-up restoration of the golf cart, transforming it from a dilapidated heap of parts into a one-of-kind custom vehicle…all at the store's own expense.
Stripping the cart down to its bare frame, the E-Z GO staff worked to rebuild and re-outfit the cart over a 3-month period. All of the labor, parts, and premium accessories (including a lift kit, custom wheels, chrome package, rear utility storage box, and custom two-tone black and white seats) were provided as a generous donation to the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office.
Now that the golf cart is ready for service, it is destined for special usage at festivals, parades and school functions. It is also expected to be employed during the DUI scenario instruction block for the Sheriff's Office Citizen's Police Academy (CPA), and may be used during the yearly Verizon Heritage Golf Tournament on Hilton Head Island .
The Beaufort County Sheriff's Office extends its deep appreciation to Mr. Bruce Simmons and the entire staff of E-Z GO for their hard work and generosity. |
