WILDWOOD – The City of Wildwood’s motorcycle police officer is riding safer these days, thanks to the contribution of more than $600 from the Greater Wildwood Benevolent Order of the Elks, Lodge No. 1896.
The city’s police force includes one motorcycle officer. That position is currently held by Ptlm. Jason Carter, said Capt. Robert Regalbuto. Carter expressed an interest in motorcycle policing after the retirement of the department’s previous officer. “We sent him (Carter) to training, but we didn’t have the funding to buy him boots, jodhpur pants and a new helmet,” said the captain, adding the city was already in possession of a police motorcycle.
According to Regalbuto, without the Elks’ donation, Carter would not have been able to ride. The addition of a motorcycle officer is key to the department’s effectiveness. “The use of a motorcycle officer helps with increased maneuverability with traffic violations, traffic enforcement and public relations,” said Regalbuto. “People like seeing a motorcycle cop.”
“The City of Wildwood is always grateful to its service organizations for always helping us when help is needed,” said Mayor Ernie Troiano. “The monies received were used to help offset the expense of equipping our motorcycle police. We are sincerely grateful to the Elks’ Lodge for their assistance.”
With a 60 year history of philanthropy, the Greater Wildwood Elks Lodge has over 3,600 members. Its donation of funds to purchase police motorcycle equipment was a first, said Regalbuto. “We asked them and they said ‘Sure, no problem.’”
Now that a relationship between the Elks Lodge and city police has been established, both are looking forward to working together. Additional events involving both organizations are scheduled for later this year.
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