12/30/09 – A technological advance by a Livingston County-based company is expected to save the Michigan State Police hundreds of thousands of dollars in the next few years. Whelen Engineering of Brighton developed new LED lights for use atop troopers patrol units that will replace the current incandescent lighting. It’s expected the new LED units, which will fit inside the existing overhead red beacon, will last ten years longer than the current bulbs. Combined with the fact that the new LED lights are essentially maintenance free and have no need for heavy-duty wiring and special switches, officials expect to save more than $220,000 over a four-year period. Patrol cars will be fitted with the new LED overhead light kits when there is a light failure. The LED lights will also be installed in the approximately 250 new patrol cars that come into service every year. (JK)
