Catoosa County’s historic patrol car restoration nears completion
CATOOSA COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) — Several organizations have been working to restore a Pontiac Trans Am that belonged to the Catoosa County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO).
In 1978, Catoosa County Sheriff J.D. Stewart bought four Trans Am’s to be used at patrol cars.
Later on in 1979 & 1981, Sheriff Stewart purchased eight more, bringing the number to 12.
According to CCSO, Stewarts reasoning for these new patrol cars were to chase people hauling illegal alcohol in fast cars, often modified for speed.
The Trans Am’s were all white with red interior and did not have the bird decal on the hood.
They were modified and equipped with a radio, siren, and blue dash lights.
In 1979, the national magazine, Car & Driver, did a four-page article on Stewart and the Trans Am’s.
Fast forward to 2014, where a 1981 Trans Am was discovered in a Whitfield County junk yard.
After researching the VIN number, it was confirmed to be one of the CCSO’s Trans Am.
Several organizations have been restoring it as an historic project over the past 10 years.
The restoration project has been funded entirely by donations.
If anyone would like to donate to this restoration, please contact CCSO, (706)-935-2424.
