(Beaver Dam) The Beaver Dam Police Department gave an update to their bike unit during a recent WBEV Community Comment. The fleet made their return at Best Dam Fest after being dormant due to staffing issues. Officer Joseph Salazar is part of the bike unit and shares his experience.
“Your fuel, you know miles per gallon don’t go as far on a bike as they do in a squad car,” says Salazar (laughs). “But it’s been nice, especially paired with some of the events like the Music in the Park at Swan Park, Best Dam Fest, National Night Out.”
Salazar says it is nice to be able to get out in the community to put a face to the badge and be less intimidating on a bike rather than being in a squad car. He adds that with the program returning, it is new to most people.
“You get a couple weird looks [because] you’re riding through with your helmet on and all your gear,” Salazar says. “So, it may look a little silly to some people.”
Even though it looks silly, Salazar says it sparks curiosity among children and adults regarding how a patrol bike operates.
