Philadelphia Police Foundation Donates over $60K to Bring Segways To Philadelphia

Jun 1 2009

Philadelphia, PA – The Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) has received an over $60,000 donation to purchase ten Segways to be used throughout Philadelphia. Segways provide two-wheel electric transportation for patrolling the City’s neighborhoods with greater visibility and mobility. “Segways are an extension of foot patrol,” stated Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey. “They are another valuable tool for our officers in helping to make Philly safer, particularly in commercial corridors. Segways are highly visible, cover a lot of ground quickly, and put our officers out there interacting with the community every day.”

Former Philadelphia Police Foundation President, Bill Whitmore, was charged with helping to bring Segways to the PPD. “The purchase of the 10 Segway units was made possible through the generosity and concern for public safety by members of the Philadelphia Police Foundation and businesses and individuals in the Philadelphia Region,” stated Whitmore. “This public-private partnership between the Philadelphia Police Foundation and the Philadelphia Police Department is an outstanding example of how the business community in Philadelphia can participate to help Commissioner Ramsey and the Police Department in their fight against crime in the city.”

The Philadelphia Police Foundation supports the PPD in funding new initiatives, equipment and technologies that are above and beyond the scope of the city budget. “Everyone has a vested interest in making Philadelphia the safest city possible,” stated Robert Ciaruffoli, current president of the Philadelphia Police Foundation. Our priority is to mobilize the business and professional communities to join with the PPD in bringing this goal to fruition.”

The ten Segways purchased by the Philadelphia Police Foundation will be deployed as of June 1, 2009, in the following areas in Philadelphia: