Piedmont, AL Piedmont, Alabama – Piedmont Police Department has announced that they are officially launching the Bike Patrol Unit that will be employed in the town. The Police Chief, Nathan Johnson, stated that the department was “very satisfied and happy to be able to use this unit available as a instrument to combat crime in this city.”
The department’s police officers applied for and was awarded an award from the Coosa Valley RC&D (Resource Conservation and Development) Council. The grant amount of $6,000 was used to purchase essential equipment for the bike patrol. It was possible for the police force purchase three Cannondale Trail Bikes as well as the Apollo E-Scooter to equip its bike patrol unit with the necessary equipment to begin its first patrol. Chief Johnson stated to the Oxford Police Department has provided instruction for officers of the Piedmont Police Department Bike Unit for free to the city. He also expressed his appreciation.
Chief Johnson said in the official press releasethat “The City of Piedmont houses about 20 miles of recreation bike trails that runs along the chief Ladiga Trail that is within our area of responsibility. We host a variety of events that take place on the Chief Ladiga Trail and in the town, such as bike races and charity 5k’s where the police have to be able to swiftly and safely assist anyone who needs help. I believe it’s crucial for residents and visitors to Piedmont to have a presence of the police in this capacity and, with the assistance from Coosa Valley RC&D Councils we can now provide this service to our community.”
The Chief further informed the public that there are at present six members assigned to the new bike unit, and they have all completed the 40 hours of instruction required to be part of the team. Chief Johnson declared, “I am on the team because I love to model what I do. The others on the team include Sergeant Michael DeVoe, Sergeant Kevin West investigator Cody Quinn, Officer Solomon Doss along with the officer Jaden Amberson.” He continued to state, “The overall goals of having a Police Bike Patrol in the City of Piedmont is to enhance community relations and make bike trail activities and downtown events more secure for both the public and the patrol as well as provide support and safety to people who use the trail for biking, provide assistance to areas which aren’t able to accommodate a police vehicle making officers more accessible to citizens, and assist cyclists who are stranded.”
The director of Coosa Valley RC&D, Ciara Turner, explained how the council functions. “We invite requests for grants to governmental institutions like cities, schools police departments, cities as well as fire departments and various councils. We also accept applications from others 501 (c)(3) non-profits when they meet the requirements we have outlined on the website. The deadline for applications is April 1 to June 30 and the application is completed via our website. We will begin funding approved grants on October 1st.” Mrs. Turner also explained that Coosa Valley RC&D was a 501(c)(3) which is financed from the state of Alabama and in the coming year, they are expected to fund around $600,000 in grants. Mrs. Turner stated that, “We are among nine councils that comprise eleven counties. Each county has an RC&D that is designated to a particular region”.
“On behalf of Piedmont Police Department and the City of Piedmont, thank you Coosa Valley RC&D Councils for your support in funding this project that will help make Piedmont an even more secure and safer community.” declared Chief Johnson.
