NEW SERIES OF HOT WHEELS CARS TO FEATURE ALLEN PD AND FD LOGOS

New series of Hot Wheels cars to feature Allen PD and FD logos

By Heather M. Smith, Staff writer(Created: Thursday, July 30, 2009 10:50 AM CDT)
Beginning in the fall, Allen residents will be able to bring home a classic toy featuring their fire and police department logos.The toy manufacturer, Mattel, selected Allen and the city’s public safety departments to be represented in the 2009 series of Hot Wheels Cop Rods and Fire Rods. Mattel used the Allen Police Department and Allen Fire Department logos on production of a select vehicle within each Hot Wheels series.“Mattel called out of the blue and asked if we were interested,” said Teresa Warren, public and media relations officer. “Originally, they looked at 40 different cities. We all got a kick out of being featured as a Hot Wheels car.”Only 26 cities across the United States were selected to participate in the project. The vehicles have been produced and packaged and will be available to purchase in stores this fall. Hot Wheels “Rescue Ranger” will feature the Police Department logo. According to the Hot Wheels Collectors Web site, the “Rescue Ranger” will available to purchase at Target.“I played with Hot Wheels when I was younger,” said Bill Rushing, Allen police chief. “It’s cool to see our logo on the cars. My grandkids are excited to play with the cars.”The Allen Fire Department logo is represented on the Phaeton. According to the Hot Wheels Collectors Web site, this vehicle will be available to purchase at Toys“R”Us.Allen Fire Chief Bill Hawley said when he was younger he played cops and robbers with his Hot Wheels cars. Now his two sons will have the chance to play cops and robbers with the Allen Hot Wheels cars.“If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Allen firefighters are humbled to know that kids across the country will be playing with these Hot Wheels cars and imaging themselves as Allen firefighters,” Hawley said. “This puts out a good image for the city. We want to bring the community together and let kids know that the Police and Fire Department are their friends and we’re here for them.”Warren said one of the city’s goals is to represent Allen’s positive image to people and to put the city in the spotlight.“This fit in our goal of strategic planning. There was no monetary exchange between the city and Mattel, it was just a good move for Allen,” Warren said. “Mattel selected the body type of the vehicle, but we did get to approve the artwork and how the logo looked on the cars.”For a preview of the entire series, visit the Hot Wheels Web site at www.hotwheelscollectors.com.Contact Heather Smith at HSmith@acnpapers.com