A resident’s donation will fund the purchase of two motorcycles for the police department, marking the return of a program cut from the budget a few years ago.
The $75,000 donation will cover the cost of two Harley-Davidson motorcycles, including a three-year lease, the required training for officers, gear and helmets, and a laptop and saddle bag. The bikes would be equipped with handsfree communication with dispatch.
“It’s a great benefit to the town,” Police Chief Shane Smith said to the Select Board Monday night.
The donation was accepted by the Select Board on behalf of the police gepartment on Monday.
In a letter to Town Administrator Patrice Garvin, Smith wrote that amotorcycle unit would “help Belmont address traffic safety, pedestrianactivity,event management, and visible community policing in ways that standard patrol vehicles cannot. It would be especially well-suited to supporting busy intersections, school zones, traffic concerns, and the community path by improving visibility, access, and response.”
Garvin noted it would be a “one-time infusion” of funds, covering the first three years, but costs afterward would need to be factored into the department’s budget.
“One thing I noticed in speaking to every employee within the police department—a lot of people asked [if we can] bring back the motorcycle unit,” said Smith.
Accompanying Smith Monday night was former Police Chief Richard McLaughlin, who said the motorcycles would be an asset for the department.
“We all know traffic can be a challenge here, and motorcycles can be another resource,” he said.
