We have now received the video from North Carolina featuring high-speed, rear-end collision with a CVPI -- all captured on the in-car camera of a back-up unit.

The video clearly illustrates the deployment of fire- suppressing powder from the FIRE Panel, enshrouding the patrol car with protection that lingers long after the vehicles come to rest.

Click on the link below to see FIRE Panel in action for yourself, or contact us to receive a CD-ROM with accident footage and test footage from FIRE Panel's November 2003 tests.

In the July 23, 2004, incident Officer Moses had pulled over a driver for a traffic violation when an SUV driven slammed into the back of Moses' Crown Victoria Police Interceptor, causing the vehicle to bust into flames.

The 2003 CVPI driven by Moses had factory-installed shields developed by Ford to help guard against tank punctures generated in this type of accident.

The accident investigation concluded that indeed it was a fuel-fed fire originating from the CVPI, exactly the type of situation that FIRE Panel is designed to help protect against.

Since that time several agencies in the area have equipped their CVPIs with the FIRE Panel system.

In other incidents this fall, both the New York State Patrol and Las Vegas Metro Police have experienced major accidents - with significantly different results.

On August 29, a Las Vegas Metro CVPI was stopped at a city intersection when hit by a Chevrolet Caprice. The patrol car burst into flames, which eventually engulfed up to 75% of the vehicle. The CVPI did not have a FIRE Panel installed.

Earlier in the month a New York State Patrol vehicle, during a routine traffic stop, was struck from behind at high speed by an SUV. Both officers, who were standing beside the car, jumped to safety, but the FIRE Panel-equipped CVPI was propelled down the road by the force of the impact.

Even though the fuel tank was punctured with gasoline leaking and traditional ignition sources present, there was NO FIRE thanks to the FIRE Panel.

While not every high-speed, rear-impact involving a CVPI results in fire, for less than $400 per vehicle your officers can have the extra level of safety provided by the FIRE Panel in these types of accidents.

To learn more or to receive a video of the comprehensive testing of FIRE Panel, call 1-888-282- 8394 or visit our website at www.firepanel.net.

We have been very fortunate this summer. Although we have had two close calls where officers have been injured or badly burned, we have not lost an officer to fire resulting from a high-speed, rear-end impact in a CVPI.

Unfortunately, that doesn't mean the danger is gone. As recently as this last Sunday civilians have lost their lives in similar circumstances in similar vehicles.

On September 19, 2004, two people were killed in New York when their Mercury Grand Marquis (the sister vehicle to Ford's Crown Victoria) was rear-ended by an SUV and burst into flames.

While it is only on rare occasion that civilians stop in this manner on along roadways, it is routine for officers to place themselves in similar peril many times daily while conducting their duties. FIRE Panel offers enhanced safety to protect our officers from the danger of high-speed, rear-end impacts in their police cruisers.