Corporal Jessica Burks, James Farrar (W&L), Chief Sam Roman, Lori Turner (CFRBA), Detective Rob Smith, David VanOsten (LPF)

New Police Bicycles Purchased In Lexington   Lexington, VA (March 16, 2018) - The Lexington Police Foundation, Washington and Lee University’s Community Grants Committee and the Community Foundation for Rockbridge, Bath and Alleghany recently partnered to provide for the purchase of new police bicycles. The grants from these three agencies made it possible for the Lexington Police Department to make this purchase. Due to the efforts of some of the officers at the Lexington Police Department these grants were made possible. Corporal Aaron Britton, Corporal Jessica Burks and Detective Rob Smith wrote the grants and did necessary research to complete the project. The older patrol bicycles, which have been in service for well over eight years, were in dire need of repairs and being shared among bike patrol officers, causing excessive wear and tear on the units. The ramifications of receiving this grant allowed the department to re-equip each Bike Patrol Officer with a dedicated new bicycle, fitted especially for that officer. Bicycle patrols are a unique way for law enforcement to enhance their efforts toward Community Policing. Community Policing has been identified as an important strategy designed to proactively build relationships between officers and the citizens they protect and has been embraced by the Lexington Police Department. The bicycles are Trek Law Enforcement models which are a specially designed for law enforcement use. The units come fully equipped for service when received. Each officer of the Bike Patrol Unit has been measured and weighed for their bicycle, and the unit is constructed specifically for them. Officers are assigned to the Bike Patrol Unit only after completion of a rigorous course of instruction. They are not typically assigned away from the unit unless they are promoted or become physically unable to perform the duty. “We are fortunate to enjoy a very competent police force that is completely dedicated to our security and well-being. We are extremely grateful for the generosity of these grants in support of our efforts, demonstrating to the officers that the community appreciates and recognizes their service and sacrifice” said Chief Sam Roman. While the immediate beneficiaries of the grant are the LPD officers assigned to the Bike Patrol, it is strongly believed the true beneficiaries will be the 7,000+ residents of the entire community, as well as visitors to Lexington who will enjoy easier interaction with patrolling officers (versus officers in patrol cars). This enhances community policing efforts with more rapid response times in a broad range of circumstances, improved city-campus-cop relations, and of course improved morale within the LPF as part of their recognition that the community “has their back” in the vital role they play in keeping us safe. Such benefits are expected to have a direct, immediate, and positive impact on the quality of life in Lexington for residents, students, and visitors alike. “The three granting agencies are pleased that their efforts made this purchase possible. The ability to work together with community grants has been a gratifying experience. The officers of the bike patrol are excited to put them into action,” said Lori Turner, CFRBA Executive Director.

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