Chargers in action

In the week since The N&O printed a front page story about Wake's EMS department buying five Dodge Chargers powered by 368 horse-power V8 engines as part of a program to get paramedics with advanced training to the scene of serious medical emergencies, there have been numerous sightings of the eye-catching muscle cars on local roads.

This one sped past N&O reporter Michael Biesecker, who wrote the story, on Capital Boulevard.

As a testament to the Charger's raw testosterone appeal, the reporter's 3-year-old son was given the option last week of chosing one Matchbox car as a reward for good behavior during a doctor's visit that required a shot. Of the hundreds of tiny toy cars on display at a Target store, what caught the little boy's eye?

A police package Charger, of course — the very same model picked by county officials.