Avalon Police Department Gets Free Bike

AVALON — The Avalon Police Department is one of 90 police departments in the state to receive a brand new Cannondale bicycle from the Neumann Foundation. The Foundation made the announcement this week as part of its “20th Anniversary 101 Bike Awards.”
“This is a very special day for the Avalon Police Department,” said Avalon Police Chief David Dean. “Our department is very thankful for the donation, and especially proud of our Administrative Sergeant, David Lutes, for applying for the bicycle through the Neumann Foundation program.”
Chief Dean and Administrative Sergeant Lutes will be attending a donation ceremony on Wednesday, May 20th, at 1 p.m. at the Parsippany PAL Complex for the bike presentation. Avalon’s full-time bicycle officers are Matthew Sykes and David Glassford. Representatives from all 90 police departments in New Jersey will be attending the event and getting their free bikes.
Over the last 20 years, The Neumannn Foundation has donated 101 Cannondale mountain bikes to police departments throughout New Jersey. Through the generous support of an anonymous donor, the Foundation was able to donate an additional 101 bikes in 2009. The Foundation awarded the bicycles based on information submitted on the grant application describing their bike programs and current needs.
“This new Cannondale bike will compliment our summertime bike patrol which deals with quality of life issues in Avalon, including noise and alcohol-related complaints. Thanks to the work of Sergeant Lutes, we’ll have another means to get around Avalon that will benefit the entire community,” Dean said.
The Neumann Foundation honors and remembers Essex County Patrolman Keith E. Neumann, who lost his life on Aug. 3, 1989 during an accidental shooting incident. Neumann died at the age of 24 after serving his police department for three years.
Contact Truluck at (609) 886-8600 ext. 24 or at: ltruluck@cmcherald.com.