After three years of service in the Concordia Security Department, the 1998
Jimmy Blazer that served as Loyola’s sole security vehicle saw its final patrol on April 31. A 2001 Mazda MPV minivan will now serve as its replacement.
The decision to replace the Jimmy was prompted by numerous complaints from the security staff about the limited storage capacity, poor rear visibility and its comfortless drive.
Initially, the replacement was supposed to be another four-by-four vehicle. But with a budget of 500 $ a month, the security department’s choice was somewhat limited.
“We were looking for a four-by-four,” related Jean Brisebois, the director of Concordia’s security department, “but we couldn’t find any for that price unless we went with a Chevrolet Tracker, which has very little storage space.” Finally, after looking at many options, the department decided on the Mazda MPV minivan.
Although not a four by four, the new minivan presented the security department with many compelling advantages. For one, the storage issue is no longer a problem. The MPV has numerous storage compartments throughout the vehicle for storage and the third bench in back of the vehicle folds right into the floor allowing for extra room to carry more equipment.
Comfort is another key issue when deciding on the vehicle’s merit, especially when considering the fact that many of the security agents spend many long hours patrolling the campus.
“Most of the agents I’ve spoke to say it’s much more comfortable. The Mazda MPV is also costing us less than we used to pay for the Jimmy,” said Brisebois.
The new security vehicle will also permit security to do more patrols. Under the new contract, they will be allotted 5,000 km more than the 20,000 km a year maximum that was previously instated with the Jimmy. This means more patrols and more visibility.
There is a possibility in the near future that the minivan will be making rounds at the Sir George Williams campus. “We might change the role of the patrol vehicle on occasion. Maybe we will do some patrolling [at the] downtown [campus] with the minivan,” noted Brisebois.
But come winter, these benefits may be outweighed, when three feet of snow falls upon the campus. “We might have some difficulty in the winter time getting around the grounds after a snow storm, since the minivan is not four-wheel-drive,” stated Paul Aub
Jimmy Blazer that served as Loyola’s sole security vehicle saw its final patrol on April 31. A 2001 Mazda MPV minivan will now serve as its replacement.
The decision to replace the Jimmy was prompted by numerous complaints from the security staff about the limited storage capacity, poor rear visibility and its comfortless drive.
Initially, the replacement was supposed to be another four-by-four vehicle. But with a budget of 500 $ a month, the security department’s choice was somewhat limited.
“We were looking for a four-by-four,” related Jean Brisebois, the director of Concordia’s security department, “but we couldn’t find any for that price unless we went with a Chevrolet Tracker, which has very little storage space.” Finally, after looking at many options, the department decided on the Mazda MPV minivan.
Although not a four by four, the new minivan presented the security department with many compelling advantages. For one, the storage issue is no longer a problem. The MPV has numerous storage compartments throughout the vehicle for storage and the third bench in back of the vehicle folds right into the floor allowing for extra room to carry more equipment.
Comfort is another key issue when deciding on the vehicle’s merit, especially when considering the fact that many of the security agents spend many long hours patrolling the campus.
“Most of the agents I’ve spoke to say it’s much more comfortable. The Mazda MPV is also costing us less than we used to pay for the Jimmy,” said Brisebois.
The new security vehicle will also permit security to do more patrols. Under the new contract, they will be allotted 5,000 km more than the 20,000 km a year maximum that was previously instated with the Jimmy. This means more patrols and more visibility.
There is a possibility in the near future that the minivan will be making rounds at the Sir George Williams campus. “We might change the role of the patrol vehicle on occasion. Maybe we will do some patrolling [at the] downtown [campus] with the minivan,” noted Brisebois.
But come winter, these benefits may be outweighed, when three feet of snow falls upon the campus. “We might have some difficulty in the winter time getting around the grounds after a snow storm, since the minivan is not four-wheel-drive,” stated Paul Aub
