Bronco Cryptozoology #32: Bronco Police Package

Cryptozoology is the study of mythical creatures that may or may not exist.

This applies to Broncos how? Well, there is a lot of mystery and myths surrounding certain Bronco models and specialty-built Broncos.

So, this new segment at the blog will focus on these prototypes, one of a kind, special editions and the most historical Broncos ever built.

To keep the posts short, we will include only a brief story of each

We will try to separate fact from fiction and possibly come up with more questions than answers.

At first, I was going to compile this into one post, but it got waaay too long.

For many years Ford had a special program to sell sedans to law enforcement agencies. The reasons for any auto maker to get involved in these programs was for bragging rights and exposure. In addition many Police Officers would often buy similar cars to the ones issued to them by the department.

When Ford introduced the Bronco in 1965, they added the Bobtail to the program. Why the Bronco? Ford advertised the SUV as not a truck and not a car, it was something in between, which meant it might be the perfect choice for law enforcement, especially for the rural departments who often needed to venture off the pavement.

A 1964 Ford Galaxie Sedan, employed by the Boston PD.

The Central Park Police bought some 1966 Broncos and had them painted dark green and black.

A miniature tribute was made by Greenlight

The City of Glen Alpine North Carolina used this Bronco for law enforcement duties.

Greenlight also memorialized the Glen Alpine Police Bronco

Below is a Bronco being employed by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in 1966

This Sheriff's Deputy is taking possession of their new 1966 Bronco Police wagon, equipped with a PTO winch

Another Bronco being employed by the City of New York's Central Park Police, this one is later perhaps 1970?

Below is a Bronco employed by the Huntington Beach, CA Police Department

Another beach police cruiser, this one from Toms River, New Jersey.

photos courtesy of Todd Zuercher's book A History of Ford's Legendary 4x4 Ford Bronco

The story is true, Ford did successfully market the Bronco to law enforcement and first responding agencies.