APD’s Bike Patrol Team receives $500

By SHELLEY TERRY - Staff Writer - sterry@starbeacon.com
Star Beacon

May 10, 2008 02:28 am

— ASHTABULA — The Ashtabula Police Department’s Bike Patrol Team recently received a big boost, thanks to the American Legion Post 103 Ladies Auxiliary.
The group donated $500 to assist the patrol in its continuing effort to provide community patrols, riding police bicycles at holiday parades and targeting high-crime areas in the city.
The maneuverability of these bicycles on crowded sidewalks and their ability to navigate through alleys and driveways offer advantages over what traditional police cars can do, said detective John Bainton III, a member of the patrol.
Furthermore, when a suspect flees on foot, the riding police officer has a speed advantage and can dismount and continue the pursuit, if necessary, Bainton said.
Ladies Auxiliary treasurer Rena Hadlock of Ashtabula presented the check to the department on Thursday at their meeting. Each year the group earmarks areas it wants to concentrate on, and this year, the auxiliary decided to give to the bike patrol, Hadlock said.
“The money will be used for equipment and uniforms,” Bainton said, speaking to the women’s group. “We hope to add one or two more members this year.”
The bike patrol consists of four officers: Bainton, Sgt. Dennis Dibble, Patrolman Tim Hosken and Patrolman Anthony P. Tulino III.
“We try to give something to the police every year,” Hadlock said. “Maybe next year, we’ll give to the K-9 unit.”