CityView Magazine

an important impact on police work. Initially Fayetteville had mounted horse patrols, but the bike patrol has taken over the duty. "You don't have to feed this horse," joked Officer Seaman, as he patted his bike. "It bridges the gap between the horses and the foot beat. It's still something interesting that the residents don't see everyday." Three years ago Officer Seaman started with the department on the foot patrol beat and noticed the bikes stowed in the closet. He took an interest and started riding them. Eventually, he received permission to start the assignment and has been an integral part of watching it grow as opportunities and training increase for Fayetteville's police force. Last September, five officers from Fayetteville had the opportunity to ride on patrols for the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte. As part of the gear and equipment packaged issued to them, the officers got to keep the black and white Scott mountain bikes. The officers enjoyed their time in the city and the camaraderie with other bike patrols from cities as far away as Austin, Texas. The bike patrols took part in security operations for each one of the many protests that took place that week. Initially the force started off with a few Fuji models but has now grown to 20 Cannondale models. Stations are located on both sides of the city, downtown and on Santa Fe Drive near Fort Bragg. The downtown patrol officers are currently working on a program to promote awareness for students out of school in the summer and overall bike safety tips. Next time you see the team of officers patrolling through town on their bikes, don't hesitate to stop and ask them questions. They are eager to share about their jobs and put a friendly face on our local police force. The element of surprise, and the quiet travel only a bicycle provides, can lead to a quicker and easier apprehension of a suspect. Expect more success stories behind the pedal power of Fayetteville Police's Bike Patrol. CV We may be an All-Star Charity, but YOU'RE OUR MVP. A"Forbes Picks: All-Star Charity" #1 in Forbes Magazine's List of Top 100 Charities #1 in The Chronicle of Philanthropy's "Philanthropy 400" An Investment In Yourself and Your Community Follow us on Facebook! unitedway-cc.org • (910) 483-1179 • CFC #95756 It's a Family Affair at Omni Health and Fitness COMMIT TO GET FIT WITH OMNI! RESULTS Start When YOU Do! Call today! 910.423.6664 (OMNI) Find Us On FacebOOk! search: OmniHealthandFitnessFay The First 100 To Mention cityView Get 3 Months FREE See club for details Our professional fitness staff looks forward to getting you in better shape! O HEaltH & FitnEss CEntER 1400 Walter Reed Rd. (Behind Zaxby's and Starbucks) www.omnihealthandfitnessfay.com CityViewNC.com | 41

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