In 1934, notorious bank robber John Dillinger was in the South Bend area and the rumor around town was that he was going to return. The police wanted to be prepared for him and his gang. The Studebaker "President" that you see was right off the line at the Studebaker's plant. However, they had several enhancements made to help the police in case they came in contact with Dillinger. The windshield was make of bulletproof glass. A porthole in the windshield allowed them to place their rifles through the glass. Shields were placed to protect both the engine and the tires. This photo was taken in back of old City Hall, 214 N. Main Streed. The garage was attached to City Hall with doors leading to the basement of the Police Department. The two officers are Patrolman William McMahon, left, Capt. William J. "Big Bill" Hosinski, who later bacme Sheriff Hosinski and Patrolman A.B. "Barney" Tholander.
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