The Seattle Police Department (SPD) and the Seattle Police Foundation (SPF) have announced a collaboration that will result in full deployment of lifesaving equipment in Seattle PD patrol cars.

Forged between the SPF, Philips Medical Systems, private citizens Craig and Julie Tall, and the American Heart Association, the agreement will make Seattle PD one of the first major-city police departments to have AEDs in all patrol cars. The AED project is possible due to the generosity of Craig and Julie Tall, who are personally donating $100,000, and Philips’ donation of more than half of the needed devices—totaling more than $375,000. SPF will fund the remainder of the $630,000 project.

“Full deployment of AEDs in our police patrol cars will enhance the safety of the Seattle community as well as the police officers themselves. We are so appreciative to Craig and Julie Tall, Philips, and the Seattle Police Foundation. A project of this magnitude would not have happened without them,” says Chief Gil Kerlikowske.

“Because Philips HeartStart defibrillators are designed and manufactured in Seattle, we are especially pleased to have been chosen as the supplier of AEDs to the Seattle Police Department,” says Michael Miller, senior vice president, Cardiac Care for Philips Medical Systems. “We applaud the Seattle Police Foundation for its dedication to our police officers, and for bringing our community together to fund the AED program.”

The 225 units needed for full deployment will be installed in patrol cars beginning in November. All cars will be outfitted by June 2007.

For more information visit www.seattle.gov/police or www.ci.seattle.wa.us/police/foundation.