WILMINGTON - New Hanover Regional Medical Center's Special Police have gone green! They recently purchased two 2008 Hybrid Chevrolet Malibus to replace Ford Explorers previously used by the officers.

'We looked at how our vehicles were used, patient transport and campus patrols, and decided to downsize to a more environmentally friendly vehicle,' said Chief Jim Rodenberg of the Special Police.

The 2008 Hybrid Malibus average 27 miles to the gallon. The 2002 Ford Explorers they replaced received an average of 16 miles to the gallon.

The new, fully equipped patrol cars have a different look. The striping design is new and they are slick tops meaning all the emergency lights are located inside the vehicle.

'If we feel these cars are a good fit for our department, we will purchase more in the future,' said Chief Rodenberg. 'So far we have received very positive feedback from our officers, patients and employees about the new cars.'

New Hanover Regional Medical Center is the leading provider of quality and accessible health care in Southeastern North Carolina, delivering care to all in need, without the support of taxpayer dollars. The medical center takes seriously its responsibility as an economic engine for the community, creating more than 4,700 jobs directly and another 3,000 jobs indirectly.