FORWARD OPERATING BASE DANGER, Iraq, May 28, 2004 — Iraqi police officers in the province of Salah Ad Din received a gift of 24 new police cars courtesy of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team in a ceremony May 20, 2004, at Forward Operating Base Orion, Balad, Iraq according to 1st Infantry Division officials.

The cars went to police officers in several cities, including Tikrit, Balad and Samarra, which are all included in the Salah Ad Din provincial district.

“This is a great day for the 1st Infantry Division and the Iraqi Police,” said Col. Randall Dragon, 2nd Brigade Combat Team Commander.

Dragon, who presented the cars to the Chief of Police for the Salah Ad Din Province, Brig. Gen. Mazher Taha Ahmad, hoped the new vehicles would help Iraqi police officers to be a more efficient force.

“One of the biggest challenges for a new police force is transportation,” Dragon said. “The police force here is far short of having enough vehicles. Hopefully this will be a step in the right direction.”

The police cars were bought from a local contractor.