Brookdale Community College's Automotive Department
Monmouth County, NJ – As the Union Beach Police Department prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2025, Brookdale Community College’s Automotive Department students have embarked on a unique project: restoring a 1966 Chrysler Newport, a classic police cruiser that once patrolled local streets. This restoration is not just about bringing a vintage car back to life; it is a special partnership between the Union Beach Police Department (UBPD) and Brookdale students, honoring an important time in law enforcement history.
The 1966 Chrysler Newport, donated to the Union Beach Police Department years ago, had unfortunately fallen into significant disrepair over time, missing key components like the engine and transmission. However, under the guidance of George Poosikian, Brookdale’s automotive instructor, students are now hard at work bringing the car back to life. “We’ve got a lot of work ahead of us, but the students are excited and motivated,” Poosikian said.
Brookdale Community College's Automotive Department
Poosikian, revered in automotive circles, is known as the “man who can fix anything,” leading the project with dedication, ensuring his students gain technical expertise and a strong appreciation for craftsmanship and teamwork. Proud of their efforts, he remarked, “This project is about more than just restoring a car, it’s teaching students the value of craftsmanship, teamwork, and respecting the past.”
Chief of Police for Union Beach, Michael Woodrow, has also been an Adjunct Professor of Criminal Justice for 25 years at several colleges and universities, including 20 years at Brookdale’s Criminal Justice Department, and who serves on the Council of State Governments Justice Center Advisory Board, played a pivotal role in launching the project. “Brookdale was my first choice and the ideal place to bring this restoration to life,” Chief Woodrow remarked. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students to work on something truly special that will benefit not only the UBPD and Brookdale Community College but also the residents of New Jersey. With George Poosikian leading the way, we are confident and excited to see this piece of history restored.”
The Chrysler Newport was a powerhouse of its time, equipped with a 440 cubic inch V8 engine capable of producing 365 horsepower. In the 1960s, police cruisers like this one were commonly used for high-speed highway patrol, especially in states like California, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Nevada. Chief Woodrow reflected on this era: “These cars were built for speed and power, and they were essential tools for law enforcement at the time.”
Brookdale Community College's Automotive Department
During this era, vehicles such as the Dodge Coronet, Plymouth Belvedere, Pontiac Catalina, AMC Matador, Ford Torino, and Chevrolet Biscayne entered the competitive police car market, bringing increased horsepower and performance. Both four-door and two-door versions were available. Chief Woodrow added, “Back then, we didn’t have the same level of technology or safety features, so officers had to rely on their driving skills and the car’s raw power.”
Interestingly, when backup units were unavailable, officers would handcuff suspects and secure them in the front seat of the two-door vehicle with a seat belt. “It was a different time,” Chief Woodrow explained. “Officers had to work with what they had, and often that meant having a ‘gentlemen’s agreement’ with the person they had just arrested during those long drives to the jail or headquarters.” Partition walls in police cruisers were not the norm during that period.
Bishes Mukherjee, a second-year international automotive student, expressed his excitement about working on the vehicle: “I always knew I wanted to work on an American hot rod, which is one of the reasons I chose to study in the United States. I’m thrilled to be part of the mechanical restoration of the ’66 Chrysler Newport, it’s truly a dream come true.”
Another student, Steven Malo, echoed his sentiment: “If cars go this far back in anyone’s lifetime, it’s because we’re passionate about them, and that passion isn’t limited to auto tech majors,” he explained. “For me, cars like this Chrysler Newport with roaring V8 engines, mirror-like chrome, and historical significance fueled my interest. My love for Chryslers came from my dad, and we still maintain a collection of a 1989 V8 swapped Dodge Dakota, a 1964 Newport sedan, and the only non-Chrysler vehicle I own is a retired 2005 Ford Crown Victoria police interceptor. So, when George offered me the chance to work on this car, I jumped at it. This felt like my big break, not just to preserve automotive history, but to be a part of it.”
Brookdale Community College's Automotive Department
“At Brookdale, we strive to create opportunities beyond the classroom, offering students real-world experiences that enhance their skills and contribute to their personal and professional growth,” said President David M. Stout, Ph.D. “It’s exciting to see their dedication and enthusiasm, knowing that programs like this foster learning that stays with them long after they leave Brookdale.”
The team plans to have the car fully restored and operational by Christmas, just in time for the 100th-anniversary celebrations. The restored 1966 Chrysler Newport will stand as a reminder of the evolution of policing and the strong bond between the community, the college, and the police department.
“It’s an incredible project,” Poosikian reflected. “And when that car rolls out onto the streets again, it’ll be a proud moment for all of us.”
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