Tyrone Police Chief Joseph Beachem said on Wednesday his department is ready to roll out its bike patrol starting later this month.
The chief showed off a new addition to his crime-fighting arsenal, a Trek 6500, at the Tyrone police station. He said two officers will be receiving training and certification for bike patrol next week and should be ready to start the first week of patrols by the following Monday.
The bike was donated to the police department through the Tyrone Termites, a group which provides support to veterans. The bike cost approximately $1,200. It’s the second one donated to the department by the group.
The money was raised through the group’s Rainbow Bingo which is held weekly at Conny’s Square. Club member and store owner Conny Riggleman said the club concentrates on giving support to the VA Hospital. But, it sometime uses extra funds for other causes.
Chief Beachem said the bikes would allow for the patrol of both the downtown and residential areas of the borough. He said “we are very thankful” for the donation from the Tyrone Termites.
“It means a lot,” said Beachem. “We are hoping to get closer to the community and being more accessible.”
Riggleman mentioned the Tyrone Termites were recently recognized for being number one in donations of Termite clubs in the state. She said she’s hopeful the club will come in number one in donations again, with the information being announced at an upcoming convention this summer.
