Story By Uriah Kiser
Photos By Mary Davidson
It’s a piece of history in Prince William County entrusted to the police department.
About 20 years ago, some now retired police officers scrounged up enough money to buy two Plymouth Fury automobiles, mold their parts into one working car, and paint it the unmistakable blue color of a Prince William police cruiser.
A favorite of police forces across the U.S. and immortalized in John Carpenter’s movie version of Stephen King’s novel, Christine, Prince William police’s Fury was built in 1972, just two years after the police department formed.
Prior to the department, Virginia State Police handled much of the patrol work in the county.
The Fury was never a working police car in Prince William, but today First Sgt. Ruben Castilla in the police department’s Crime Prevention unit, along with some dedicated volunteers, has made it his job to keep this classic car molded by police officers alive.
“We take it out for the event and people just love it. Those who are original ‘Prince Williams,’ it makes them think of police cars they used to see on the streets. We get a lot of thumbs up, many can’t believe we still have it,” said Castilla.
Last year, Prince William police celebrated its 40th anniversary. Prior to the event, Castilla put the car in the shop where she received a $3,500 paint job, as well as some other cosmetic work done.
Residents can often see the car at police functions around town and annually in the Dale City Fourth of July Parade.
While the body is in great shape, the interior of the car does need some work. A show car, the department does not offer rides in the vehicle, said Castilla.
The Prince William Crime Prevention Council collects the money needed for upkeep for the car, so no tax money goes to fund the car. Castilla says donations are always accepted, especially donations of tires to keep the car on the road.
Unlike when Dale City Volunteer Fire Department built its newest fire station on Dale Boulevard in 2009 and put one of its first fire trucks on public display, there are no plans for a permanent display home for this car.
