In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week. In honor of 2019 National Police Week  (May 12 to 18), ACM is offering members of law enforcement and first responders a $2 discount on regular adult Museum admission when they show their badge/credentials.

To celebrate 2019 National Police Week, the Seattle Metropolitan Police Museum will take the wraps off a restored, 1949 Ford Washington State Patrol Car at America’s Car Museum on May 14 at 4pm on the Anderson Plaza.

This 1949 WSP Ford “Shoebox” sedan is considered historically significant as the vehicle represents one of the first police package vehicles produced by a manufacturer, coming factory-equipped with a powerful Ford “Flathead” V-8 engine, heavy-duty brakes, 16″ wheels, a spotlight and a steel reinforcement plate on the roof to accommodate lights or large antennas. You can see the police radio installed under the dash, and the siren is installed inside the engine compartment.  The Police Museum acquired the “Shoebox” in 2013 and the frame-off restoration began shortly thereafter with the assistance of skilled volunteers, community members, businesses and organizations. This is the most extensive restoration project the Seattle Metropolitan Police Museum has ever undertaken. All of the Police Museum’s original patrol vehicles are owned by the Police Museum and no public funding is used to restore these cars.

This will be the car’s first exhibit to the public following its restoration. The Police Museum‘s guest of honor at the unveiling will be 93 year-old retired WSP Trooper, Fred Schenk – who began his career with the WSP in 1947 and was issued this 1949 Ford patrol car.

The car will be on display in the ACM lobby through Father’s Day weekend.