SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — It’s a neck and neck Internet battle between the West Virginia State Police and the Ohio Highway Patrol. The contest is for the nations best looking state police cruiser. West Virginia State Police Spokesman Mike Baylous says they are hoping Mountain State residents will lift their chances.
“At this point in time, Ohio State Highway Patrol and us have separated from the pack a little bit,” Baylous said. “We just need to get a lot of votes out there and move that Ohio cruiser out of the left lane.”
The contest is sponsored by the American Association of State Troopers. Voting is happening on the Association’s Facebook page. Cruisers of 49 states are featured. Hawaii doesn’t have a state police agency.
“The winner gets their cruiser featured on the cover of the next newsletter of the American Association of State Troopers,” said Baylous. “That would help us with recruiting and give us some great exposure.”
Baylous said you can get involved in the contest by going to the West Virginia State Police Facebook page or searching the American Association of State Troopers Page. To vote simply “like” the cruiser of your choice. Voting continues through July 15.
“They can go there and get a look at all of the cruisers involved in the contest and vote for the best looking one, which is our blue and gold cruiser,” Baylous said.
The West Virginia State Police adopted the blue and gold color scheme on their cruisers in 1963 as part of the state’s Centennial Celebration and have kept the colors ever since.