Four-wheel drive and a set of snow tires will get you far when the white stuff drops, but if that combo still isn’t enough, then you’re going to have to get a little extreme. As it just so happens, that’s exactly what law enforcement in West Seneca, New York did with this Chevy Silverado, outfitting the pickup with a set of snowmobile tracks. Now, this rig looks like it’s ready to conquer just about anything the winter months have to throw at it.
Per a recent report from local ABC affiliate WKBW TV, West Seneca police took an old service truck and replaced the wheels with a quartet of snowmobile tracks. “It’s simply amazing what this truck can get through now with these tracks,” said Capt. James Unger.
Police identified a need for a more-capable snow machine after storms in November and December of the 2022 calendar year.
“During that storm, we were having issues with our patrol cars getting stuck,” Capt. Unger told WKBW TV. Now, the new snow truck is ready for prime time, and has reportedly already performed several rescues during heavy winter storms. Once the weather clears up, the tracks can then be removed to convert the Chevy Silverado back to a standard patrol vehicle.
Apparently, West Seneca police have nicknamed the truck Dion, a nod to pro NFL player Dion Dawkins, offensive tackle for the Buffalo Bills.
“It looks pretty intimidating,” Unger says. “The first thing I thought of is when Dion Dawkins just transplanted that defensive back from the Dallas Cowboys into another time zone.”
Video shows the Chevy Silverado snowmobile cruising through waist-deep powder with ease, brushing it aside like it’s simply not there. According to the report, the tracks were purchased for $15,000 using FEMA relief funds.
Check out the full report in the video below:
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Comments
Funny, I live in Buffalo and only seen this on GM Authority. Guess I don’t watch much local news.
Looks pretty nice. Definitely plenty of opportunity for it this past week.
A correction: These are not snowmobile tracks. They are dedicated tracks built for trucks. The $15,000 grant may not have covered the full cost, as these things are pricey. But, worth the money in deep snow.
We live right down the road, in Western NY. So far this winter has been pretty nasty in this part of NY. Smart move on the Dept. to run these. They have been around since the mid ’70’s. We had a set on our ’76 Silverado. We were a 4×4 club who helped out with local emegencies. The cost was much more back then. Worth every penny.