Rockport, Essex cops add electric bicycles to stable
By Dimitra Lavrakas Staff Writer, Gloucester Times, November 24, 2016
Photo: Essex police Officer Daniel J. Bruce prepares to accompany gathering racers on the police department's new electric bike for the start of the Essex Lion's Turkey Trot on the Main Street Causeway on Sunday.
ESSEX — Essex police Officer Daniel J. Bruce, tooling around on the department’s new electric bicycle before the Essex Lions Club Turkey Trot on Sunday, said he really likes being out on the bike among people.
“I like it because I can get some exercise at the same time,” Bruce said. Yes, it is good to get out of the squad car.
Both the Rockport and Essex police departments received an eBike through asset forfeiture funds from Essex District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett.
The Rapid Response Team Safety Model, which costs close to $3,000, is specifically designed for police use. A hefty bike at 60 pounds, with a sleek style that keeps pants legs untangled and offers ease of mounting and dismounting. Unlike traditional bikes, it does not have the crossbar usually associated with a man’s bike. The welds are perfect and the components simple and strong.
Essex police Chief Peter G. Silva said the bike patrol will be an asset in the summer with the number of people who visit.
“It’s a way for the officer to interact with the public and make them more comfortable,” Silva said.
Rockport police Chief John Horvath, whose officers also deal with large crowds of tourists and narrow streets, welcomed the addition of the eBike.
“The bike will be a valuable addition to our community policing efforts and provide our officers with an effective means to navigate the neighborhoods of Rockport while interacting with residents,” Horvath said.
Rockport officers Michael Anderson, William Budrow, Daniel Mahoney, and Philip Wesley are certified for patrol on the eBike.