Kingston Cops

In 1954 Town Meeting

Voted: That the sum of $2,200 be transferred from unappropriated available funds in the treasury for the purchase of a so-called station wagon type vehicle, to be used as an ambulance for the Police Department and authorize the Selectmen to turn in the present Hudson now owned by the Police Department, and apply the allowance thereof to the purchase price of the new vehicle.

Chief James Goonan, Patrolman Kenneth Cram and Patrolman Donald Elwell, circa 1955. Photo by Loren St. Onge.
Chief James Goonan, Patrolman Kenneth Cram and Patrolman Donald Elwell, circa 1954. Photo by Loren St. Onge.

They got the new station wagon type vehicle — a Dodge — just after that Town Meeting in March.

Chief Goonan and the new patrol wagon, circa 1955
Chief Goonan and the new vehicle, circa 1954. Photo by Loren St. Onge

In his year-end report, Chief Goonan wrote that

64 ambulance trips [totaling 5,196 miles] were made with the new station-wagon type police car that was purchased after the March town meeting.  On many occasions this piece of equipment has saved a life, and in so doing has paid for itself many times.  Your cooperation in helping us to obtain this much needed piece of equipment is greatly appreciated.

Maybe one of those trips ended here…

Sergeant Arthur Moskos and Chief James Goonan with an unknown woman, Plymouth Police Station, circa 1950
Sergeant Arthur Moskos and Chief Goonan escort an unknown prisoner into the Plymouth Police Station, no date.