Huston Treating Police Vehicles with Permasafe Antimicrobial Spray

Lake Wales police officers and the suspects they transport should now be safer thanks to a protective antimicrobial treatment of their 50 vehicles. Huston Cadillac Buick GMC is treating the police vehicles free of charge as a community service.

Michael Gallardo, Huston's parts and service director, said he first heard about Permasafe about four months ago and was first in line to buy once COVID-19 concerns surfaced. He knew he wanted to offer it to customers, first responders and their families. In addition to the police cars, Gallardo is treating officers' family vehicles, along with personal and work vehicles of firefighters, EMTs and other Medical workers.

"We like working with police. This is one way we can give back to the community," Gallardo said.

According to the Permasafe promotional flyer, the product is EPA approved, lasts indefinitely, is non-toxic and safe for children and pets. The company says "Permasafe not only disinfects, but also provides continuous antimicrobial protection via a proprietary 'Electro-Mechanical' process that kills gerns without the use of harmful chemicals and can last indefinitely."

Deputy Chief Troy Schulze said the police department is providing officers with masks, gloves, face shields, respirators, antibacterial wipes and other protective gear so it was a "no-brainer" to accept Huston's offer.

"We're thrilled to death that Huston reached out to us," Schulze said. This is something unique, something we didn't have access to before this. The fact that they reached out and offered to do this at no cost is a huge thing to us. It really is.

"It makes the guys feel good. It also makes it safer for the prisoners who are being transported."

The department is rotating vehicles to Huston's for the treatment that takes about 20 minutes each. Huston technicians treated 19 vehicles Thursday and five on Friday, spraying Permasafe throughout the vehicle's interior, covering all surfaces, including seats, floor boards, headliners and carpets. A second treatment is applied to ensure full coverage.

Gallardo said Huston is providing the treatment free to its older customers and charging others just $45 to cover costs. The dealership also offers pickup and delivery to customers' homes so they don't have to bring them in for service.

"There's no residue. I was really impressed by that," Schulze said.

Permasafe says its product eliminates 99.999 percent of bacteria and viruses, plus fungi and other harmful microbes, odors and allergens. The company says Permasafe repels and resists stains, prevents UV damage, odors, fading and decay and seals, protects and adds years of life to upholstery and carpet. More information about the product is available at https://permasafe.com/

First responders and Medical professionals who would like to take advantage of Huston's free vehicle treatment offer can contact Gallardo at 863-676-2503.