New Bedford Police Unveil Suicide Awareness Patrol Car

FALL RIVER (WBSM) — Lt. Scott Carola and Officer Manny Sequeira of the New Bedford Police Department paid a visit to Spectrum Productions, Inc. in Fall River on Tuesday afternoon with their specially-designed Autism Awareness and Suicide Awareness patrol cars.

Spectrum Productions, Inc. is a local community theatre group that organizes productions starring performers with autism.

It is located in the new Creative Class building in downtown Fall River.

Officer Sequeira arrived in the Autism Awareness patrol car that was unveiled by New Bedford Police Chief Paul Oliveria at Carney Academy last November. The car features a multi-colored puzzle piece motif that is often associated with autism awareness.

Lt. Carola drove the new Suicide Awareness patrol car for its maiden voyage. The car features purple and aqua blue colors, a suicide awareness band, two arms outstretched toward each other, and the message of "You are not alone" above the rear fenders.

The Spectrum Productions performers were able to sit in the cars and take photos in them and next to them.

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Lt. Carola and Officer Sequeira were also treated to a preview to their production of Shrek, which is scheduled for release in Spring of 2024.

Carola, who also serves as the NBPD's Public Information Officer, said they enjoyed the performance.

“Officer Sequeira and I were so privileged to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the Spectrum Productions rehearsal," Carola said. "He and I were so impressed with the talent of the performers and the dedication of the staff around them. Thank you for an entertaining and enlightening afternoon."