Rainbow adorns police car in gay-friendly Florida city

Wilton Manors, the unofficial capital of the LGBT community in south Florida, is among gay-friendliest cities in the country.

Now, the Broward County city, which borders Fort Lauderdale, has a police car reflecting its allinclusive spirit.

The Wilton Manors Police Department has redesigned a squad car with a giant rainbow — a longtime symbol of pride for the LGBT community. A rainbow decorates each side of the car. The back window says “Policing With Pride.”

“This is our way of supporting our Wilton Manors community,” Assistant Police Chief Gary Blocker said. “Each and every day, our agency polices with pride and passion, and this car reinforces to our stakeholders that we are stronger together.”

The department invites people to take selfies with the colorful patrol car and use the hashtag #wmpd4all on social-media postings.

The 2013 Ford Interceptor, which will remain in the city throughout the year, isn’t the only south Florida patrol car with a rainbow to support the LGBT community.

Since 2013, Miami Beach has had a squad car with “POLICE” in rainbow hues. The Ford Crown Victoria is used at community events, including the annual Miami Beach Pride festivities.

“We are very proud of our strong relationship with the LGBTQ community,” a department spokesman said.