SOUTH DEERFIELD — The distinct rumble of a Harley Davidson motorcycle could be heard on North Main Street Friday morning. Moments later, Deerfield Police Department’s new 2017 Electra Glide — paid for with donations — slid into view.
“All the controls are here, lights, siren. It creates the ultimate circumstances to patrol effectively,” Deerfield Police Officer Joe Mieczkowski said, seated behind the handlebars and dressed in a green reflective jacket, aviator sunglasses and a white helmet.
Earlier in the day, Mieczkowski, who’s been riding for four decades and helped start a police motorcycle program at the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2002, said the motorcycle has been well received by the community so far. Mieczkowski recently retired from the UMass Police Department after decades of service.
“As a rider, one of the nice things about it is you’re right out in the open. Every side road and curb cut is a place to park,” he said. “Everyone will walk up to it — it’s friendly.”
“It’s a tool for positive interactions. Officers on bikes are approachable,” said Patrolman Adam Sokoloski. “We want to make sure we’re out and visible. The motorcycle will help with that, and be a deterrent to criminal activity. We want to have safer streets.”
The motorcycle, with a 107-cubic-inch engine, is leased for about $3,000 per year on a year-to-year contract through a nationwide government bidding program, with a purchase option. Sokoloski said it’s paid through an account filled with money donated to the department over time (not specifically given for a motorcycle).
“If it’s successful, they apply the lease to the cost of the bike,” Sokoloski continued, noting there’s no incurred expense on taxpayers. The total cost of the motorcycle is $16,132. “We feel it’s a tool (the town) will appreciate. If it is, it’s going to be here for a long time. If not, it will go back to Harley.”
Logistically, it will be driven by a select few officers and used primarily for traffic patrol. Police Chief John P. Paciorek Jr. agreed to lease the Harley because of Mieczkowski’s experience and after seeing police motorcycles successfully implemented elsewhere.
Along with Mieczkowski, a certified police motorcycle operator, School Resource Officer Brian Ravish is scheduled to attend a training course in New Hampshire over school vacation. Mieczkowski noted training is required because the bike weighs about 800 pounds, more than a typical Harley, because of police specific equipment.
“I’ve been riding since I was 16. It was my first driver’s license,” Ravish said, while standing beside the motorcycle in the Police Department’s garage Tuesday.
“They teach you how to ride a motorcycle for police work — slow speeds, tight cornering — how to maneuver the motorcycle in tight spaces,” Ravish said. “I’m excited and definitely looking forward to it.”
No other town police departments in Franklin County have a motorcycle program at present.
“As we implement this new program we would like to hear from you. If the community likes it, and we think you will, please call or email the chief at jpaciorek@police.deerfield.ma.us,” a statement on Facebook says.
“If you would like the motorcycle at a community event or would like it in a specific location of concern, please call us 413-665-2606 or email our administrative assistant daustin@police.deerfield.ma.us.”