 The Walpole Police Department has a fleet of Police Mountain Bikes for specialized patrol. Twelve (12) selected officers have been outfitted with special bicycle equipment, and a bicycle. The program, started in 1994, is funded by Community Police funds from the State. The unit is led by Lt. Peter Salzberg, and includes Officers D.Sullivan, Smolinsky, Eaton, Carmichael, Mackenzie, Zanghetti, Connor, Haddigan, Madden, Becker, Rosenthal and T.Sullivan.
The Bike Patrol is primarily used during highly populated events, such as parades, concerts, road races and carnivals. The mobility of the bikes allows officers to move through an event quickly, where as a cruiser would be hampered by the crowds. The bikes also allow officers to be more accessible to the public. Bike Officers can move throughout events speaking and interacting with the public, and can quickly respond to an emergency in a crowded area when needed.
During the summer of 2004, five (5) members of the Walpole Police Bike Patrol participated in the Pan Mass Challenge, a charity bicycle ride to raise money for the fight against cancer.
Those that participated in the 89 mile trek from Wellesley to Bourne, were Officers Carmichael, Mackenzie, Connor, Becker and T.Sullivan (pictured above). This was the first year that members of the Bike Patrol got involved in this worthy cause, and they were overjoyed to be able to raise almost $10,000, thanks to the generous donations of the citizens and businesses of Walpole.
The team was able to raise the money by selling T-shirts and holding raffles. There were also many kind donations from businesses like the Walpole Co-Operative Bank, Palumbos, and the 1A-Auto Clinic. The team would like to thank these businesses, as well as everyone who donated either their time or money toward this worth cause.
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