In early May of 1948, Washington Police Chief Ray Portsheller proudly stood on the Washington Square and had his picture taken with a brand new, black 1948 Ford Super Deluxe Coupe.
The car was the first ever purchased by the city. The photo then disappeared for the next 59 years.
In 2007, a citizen, whom current Washington Police Chief Jim Kuchenbecker said is presumed to be a relative of Portsheller, gave the photo to the department.
The photo hung on a wall at the department until Kuchenbecker mentioned the photograph to some local men while at a Hardee’s restaurant.
Discussions developed about how it would be great to find that car or one identical to the original to have for special functions in the city, Kuchenbecker said.
After months of searching, an identical vehicle was located in Mooresville, Ind.
Life-long Washingtonian Gary Lucas of Lucas Construction stepped in and offered to contribute $1,000 toward the purchase of the vehicle. Shortly thereafter, other longtime residents also came forward with $1,000 donations.
Kuchenbecker said the vehicle was purchased thanks to Lucas, as well as Bill Hartter of Arch Masonry; Ron Glick of Glick Trucking; Gary Uftring of Uftring Auto Group; Don Dempsey, who is retired from Washington State Bank; Mark Swank of Swank Enterprises and another anonymous person.
“This is yet another example of the character and commitment of our residents and our community,” Kuchenbecker said. “This is a great piece of nostalgia from the past, and I am amazed at how many older Washingtonians remember the car.”
Additional research on the vehicle revealed that it was built at the same assembly plant as the original police car.
“More than likely, it rolled off the assembly line the same time as the original car,” Kuchenbecker said.
The car has been out at various functions around the community and will be in the homecoming parade Friday.
