Lumberton officer John Ware; (from left) Tammy Wheeler, president of Leak Sealers Inc.; Jamie Stewart, vice president of Leak Sealers Inc., and Lumberton Police Chief Danny Sullins stand with the new 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe that was donated to the department

The Lumberton Police Department received a new weapon to help in the fight to keep Lumberton streets safe.

The "weapon" actually comes in the form of a shiny new 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe.

The Tahoe was donated by Leak Sealers, Inc., a business that has been a huge benefactor for Lumberton Police Department for many years.

Leak Sealers Inc. has purchased equipment needed by the LPD such as bullet proof vests and other protective gear over the years whenever it was needed. However, this donation will make the largest single donation that the company has made thus far.

The 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe comes loaded with Chevrolet's Defender Package, a package specifically geared to meet the needs of law enforcement officers. It allows them much more room to store their gear and ease to access it as well as ease to get in and out quickly.

The Tahoe is also much better equipped to handle adverse weather situations such as flooding or hurricanes, due to its height and larger stature.

The Lumberton Police Department normally purchases only two new vehicles per year, so this was a welcome addition. Chief Danny Sullins stated that the entire department was ecstatic when they got the news.

"All of us were excited to say the least. Of course, the question buzzing around the department was "Who's gonna get the Tahoe"? I am glad to say that decision was not left up to me. But we as a department could not be more pleased," Sullins stated.

That honor of driving the new squad vehicle went to Officer John Ware and his partner Chad Wilson. Both officers are fairly new to the department, both were hired on Jan. 1. Officer Ware stated that he looks forward to being able to continue to serve the community and is happy to take on the task of manning the new police vehicle.

It took three to four months to get the Tahoe from the factory to the department. The vehicle was ordered and then custom loaded for the department. Leak Sealers picked up all expenses, which came to $25,000 and were happy to do so.

"We live in this community and we count on Lumberton Police Department to protect us and our kids, it's important to us to give back. We are always here to do what we can", Tammy Wheeler, President of Leak Sealers Inc., stated.