The Lorain County Deputies Association says dozens of patrol vehicles are at risk of repossession after county commissioners allegedly defaulted on a vehicle fleet loan, raising concerns about the sheriff’s office’s ability to respond to calls for service.
In a press release issued Wednesday night, the association said the Lorain County Commissioners failed to pay more than $57,000 in lease payments owed to Enterprise Fleet Management, resulting in a potential repossession of 41 police cruisers as early as Monday.
According to the release, deputies were instructed to begin removing equipment, gear and personal belongings from patrol vehicles in preparation for turning them over to Enterprise.
The association questioned how the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office would be able to provide public safety services without access to cruisers, asking how deputies could respond to emergency calls or patrol the county effectively if the vehicles are repossessed.
Deputies said the situation puts both law enforcement officers and residents at risk and criticized county commissioners for what they described as mismanagement of taxpayer funds. The association said it supports the current sheriff’s office administration but blamed the commissioners’ decision to default on the contract for jeopardizing public safety.
The release was signed by Matthew Lawson, secretary of the Lorain County Deputies Association. Additional officers listed in leadership roles include President Steve Fuller, Vice President Adam Trifiletti, Treasurer Matt Schlinke and Sgt. at Arms Ian Standen.
County officials have not yet publicly responded to the claims made by the deputies association. It remains unclear whether the fleet repossession will proceed or if an agreement will be reached to prevent the loss of patrol vehicles.
