14 NEW BIKES NEEDED TO REPLACE UNIT’S OLDER CYCLES

The nonprofit Philadelphia Police Foundation today (May19) donated two Harley-Davidson Police Road King motorcycles to the Philadelphia Police Department’s Highway Patrol to kick-off its public fund-raising campaign to purchase a total of 14 new police-equipped Harley-Davidson motorcycles to replace older motorcycles in the Highway Patrol’s fleet.

“The Philadelphia Police Foundation, in response to a request from Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey, feels it is vitally important to upgrade the Highway Patrol’s fleet of motorcycles with new, high-performance Harley-Davidson’s in time for the visit of Pope Francis in Philadelphia for the World Meeting of Families in September,” said Maureen Rush, Foundation Board President and Vice President for Public Safety and Superintendent of Police at the University of Pennsylvania. First Deputy Police Commissioner Richard Ross and Highway Patrol Capt. John Fleming accepted the motorcycles from Rush at Police Headquarters.

Through a special agreement with Brian’s Harley-Davidson in Langhorne, PA, the Foundation is encouraging businesses, corporations, motorcycle enthusiasts, and the general public in the region to Adopt-A-Police Motorcycle with a tax-deductible contribution to the Police Foundation. Each specially-equipped motorcycle is $18,000.

The Police Highway Patrol’s Motorcycle Unit performs a multitude of important functions in addition to their routine patrol and investigative duties. They will be particularly busy during the visit of Pope Francis in multi-support responsibilities for visiting dignitaries and officials from all over the world. The unit will also be highly visible during their efforts at next year’s Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.

“Because of budget limitations, we have not been able to replace many of the aging motorcycles in our Highway Patrol fleet,” said Commissioner Ramsey. “The Philadelphia Police Foundation has been very supportive in the past and continues to assist with immediate needs. It is especially important at this time that we secure new motorcycles for the police officers in the Highway Patrol.

“This is a unique opportunity for business people and residents throughout the Philadelphia region to contribute large or small amounts to an outstanding and important aspect of public safety and effective policing in Philadelphia,” Rush said.

Contributions can be made online at www.phillypolicefoundation.org or by sending a check to Philadelphia Police Foundation, 4040 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104 (memo to Adopt-A-Motorcycle Fund). To make a gift of appreciated securities, please contact Maureen Rush at 215-898-7515

The Philadelphia Police Foundation (www.phillypolicefoundation.org) was established in 1999 by civic and corporate leaders in the Philadelphia region as “A Force Behind the Shield.” In the past two years, the PPF has raised and distributed over $500,000 for equipment, programs and training not included in the city’s budgets, but of immediate importance to the Police Department.