Madison Police Lt. John Stringer stands in front of the 2010 Corvette that was donated to the force by Jeff and Nilmini Thompson, owners of Systems Products and Solutions

The Madison Police Department will soon be riding in style as a business recently donated a brand new red corvette to the force.

The donation was approved by the City Council during its regular meeting Monday, Oct. 11, and the new vehicle will be used in the department’s community policing division.

Jeff and Nilmini Thompson, owners of Systems Products and Solutions, approached Mayor Paul Finley last month about giving something back to the community.

The Thompsons decided to purchase a corvette for the police department after being inspired by D.A.R.E. cars, and Police Chief Larry Muncey said the donation will make a huge impact in bringing law enforcement and the community together.

“In my 20 years of law enforcement, I’ve never seen anything like it,” Muncey said. “When I first heard they were wanting to give back, I assumed it would be something relatively inexpensive. It’s just not something that happens every day.”

Finley said the selfless giving of the Thompsons is just who they are.

“They really are great people,” Finley said.

Council President Bill Holtzclaw, who is also a member of the Vets With Vettes club, was shocked by the donation and said the Vettes club would love to help out with things such as oil changes to cut down on the upkeep costs of the vehicle.

“It’s knocked my socks off,” Holtzclaw said. “This is a great community investment.”

The car will be outfitted with a patriotic police wrap, and will be a fully functional police vehicle.

Muncey said the new car will help officers build good relationships with kids in the schools and in high-drug areas.

“A car like this, wherever it goes, it draws attention,” Muncey said. “Kids in high-drug areas see drug dealers driving nice, expensive cars and it’s real quick and easy. Here’s something on the opposite of that where you have an officer who has worked hard his whole life, does things the right way and he’s driving this great car. We want to tear down some of those barriers.”

The department’s community relations officer, Lt. John Stringer, will drive the car.

“He can’t wait to drive it. He understand it’s a $70,000 car, and if anything happens to that car, it’s going to be his fault,” Muncey said jokingly.

Once the car is completely outfitted, Muncey said there will be unveiling with the Thompsons, city leaders and the community.

“We want to make a special event out of it,” Muncey said.