MARION — The Marion Police Department is going green with its first hybrid police cruiser.

Received by the department this week, the 2021 Ford Police Interceptor Utility was put into service on March 3.

The model is the first pursuit-rated hybrid SUV and features all of the traditional engineering and structural features that offer stability, power and safety. According to Ford, it is also the only vehicle worldwide that is engineered to meet the 75-mph rear-impact crash test.

"The new hybrid vehicle has the necessary technology and structural features to provide the safety and dependability needed in a law enforcement vehicle, while also saving fuel and reducing emissions," Chief Richard Nighelli said. "I would like to thank Officer Jonathan Castro who worked closely with Ford to build this vehicle to our specifications. We are pleased to be adding this cruiser to our fleet, and will monitor performance, fuel and maintenance costs to help us evaluate the potential savings and benefits that will affect our decision to purchase additional hybrid vehicles in the future."

In August 2020, the Town of Marion was awarded a grant totaling $120,238 as part of the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources Green Communities program. As part of the program, the town is working to reduce energy usage by 20% over five years, which includes gas and diesel use. The hybrid cruiser was purchased to help further this commitment as part of the Green Communities program.

"One of the most efficient features of this new vehicle is the ability for the engine to automatically shut down unless needed periodically to charge its battery, instead of idling when at a standstill," said Bill Saltonstall, a member of the Marion Energy Management Committee. "This will help the town save fuel and engine wear, and reduced burning of fossil fuel fits our broader goal to reduce the town’s energy use by 20% over five years. The Energy Management Committee is very pleased with this purchase and looks forward to seeing its payoff.