In Cape Coral, December not only signifies that Christmas is near, but also that another hurricane season is behind us. But for the Cape Coral Police Department, it’s never too soon to prepare for the next storm. Right now, they’re rolling out five new rides to help them do just that. “This is something that we can use to make sure that we get to everyone when they are in need,” Lisa Greenberg, a public information officer for CCPD, said. Police call them “high-water vehicles.” They look like small monster trucks. Discussions about them began after Hurricane Ian, which proved the power of high water. CCPD got more than 500 calls for service during that storm. “As time has gone by, the threat is becoming more so the storm surge and the dangers that come with the rising tide levels,” Greenberg said. “You need certain vehicles for certain jobs, and this is one of those jobs that you need a truck right here,” Officer Justin De Armond said.De Armond is with the Marine Unit and drives one of the new vehicles. He said the department was able to elevate and equip five trucks already in their fleet, costing about $75,000 in all. That’s about what it would have cost for one new outfitted truck. And they aren’t just for hurricanes. They can help in any flood event, can tow boats and other equipment, and can navigate through tough terrain or debris. Bottom line: they can help police better help you. “No matter what it is, we have to respond like there’s no excuses,” De Armond said. “That’s our job.” “It’s a reminder to our public that, hey, when hurricane season does come, and if there is the threat of that rising water, we can handle it,” Greenberg added. “We’ve got the equipment to take care of you.” DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.

CAPE CORAL, Fla. —

In Cape Coral, December not only signifies that Christmas is near, but also that another hurricane season is behind us.

But for the Cape Coral Police Department, it’s never too soon to prepare for the next storm. Right now, they’re rolling out five new rides to help them do just that.

“This is something that we can use to make sure that we get to everyone when they are in need,” Lisa Greenberg, a public information officer for CCPD, said.

Police call them “high-water vehicles.” They look like small monster trucks.

Discussions about them began after Hurricane Ian, which proved the power of high water. CCPD got more than 500 calls for service during that storm.

“As time has gone by, the threat is becoming more so the storm surge and the dangers that come with the rising tide levels,” Greenberg said.

“You need certain vehicles for certain jobs, and this is one of those jobs that you need a truck right here,” Officer Justin De Armond said.

De Armond is with the Marine Unit and drives one of the new vehicles.

He said the department was able to elevate and equip five trucks already in their fleet, costing about $75,000 in all. That’s about what it would have cost for one new outfitted truck.

And they aren’t just for hurricanes. They can help in any flood event, can tow boats and other equipment, and can navigate through tough terrain or debris.

Bottom line: they can help police better help you.

“No matter what it is, we have to respond like there’s no excuses,” De Armond said. “That’s our job.”

“It’s a reminder to our public that, hey, when hurricane season does come, and if there is the threat of that rising water, we can handle it,” Greenberg added. “We’ve got the equipment to take care of you.”

DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.