Three years ago, when Edgewood saw a string of car break-ins and muggings, neighbors took action. They raised money to buy bikes with hopes of receiving additional cycling patrol officers in their area.
About 15 neighbors gathered to show off the fruits of their labor Wednesday evening as they presented two new patrol bikes to Police Chief James Lewis and their neighborhood patrol officer Gary Hammill. One bike is for Hammill; the other is for a new patrol officer who will work in their neighborhood in the future. Neighbors raised a total of $2,500 to purchase three bikes from Zane’s Cycles.
The block watch group donated the third bike to the police for use wherever the department sees fit.
They held the presentation with Edgewood Alderwoman Elizabeth McCormack at 45 Hobart St. Three years ago, after careful planning at a block watch meeting, the neighbors decided to use event to fuel fund-raising efforts. They raised $300 at their first event. “During these hard economic times, coming together to raise money for the police department is a good thing” said McCormack.
Mike Newton (pictured), who owns three homes on Hobart Street, played a major role in raising money for bikes. “I have no problem picking up the phone and asking people for money,” Newton said. And that’s exactly what he did. He was able to secure over $1,000 in total donations from local non-profit organization Continuum, Betsy Grauer Realty and H. Pearce Real Estate. Newton also encouraged his neighbors to chip in. “How could they say no? It’s for a good cause,” said Newton. “We all need to be responsible for something. You have to do what you have to do.”