WPD, WFD Make a "Wheel" Difference

Returning this summer to Westerville events are Westerville Division of Police and Fire (WPD, WFD) officers and firefighter/ medics, taking to streets and special events on their bikes. It’s another way Westerville’s first responders provide public safety services at the street level, while giving personnel options to be mobile and active at certain times of year.

The WPD Bike Patrol unit is staffed by certified officers. The unit assists in preventative patrol and outreach activities at community events. Security operations and other assignments are included when visibility and mobility are needed. Officers typically patrol large events like 4th Fridays, or during opportunities to visit neighborhoods, like National Night Out in August.

Lt. Doug Stephens, who manages WPD’s Community Services Bureau, says bike officers are eager to get back out after missing a couple year’s worth of activities during COVID.

“The officers on the team are really motivated to get back on their bikes,” said Lt. Stephens. “These officers really are specialists at looking at the community through a different view, catching things along the ride we can address from a community safety or crime prevention perspective. And, getting back to community events on bike is a bonus.”

At WFD, firefighter/medics ride during big community events like the 4th of July to expedite medical services if and when needed. Most often, medics see heat illnesses and dehydration issues.

Battalion Chief Gretchen Sutton has been a rider for WFD during special events for 12 years, and now coordinates the WFD bike team. Having the opportunity to work directly with the community and provide aid within the crowds is the main reason she keeps coming back to the bike.

“We have had some really oppressive days on the 4th of July in terms of the heat,” she said. “In a sea of people, it’s a lot easier to get to people on a bike than a truck.”

She adds the overall coordination with Police during mass events helps everyone get to the exact location they are needed.

“The bikes have been the first on the scene of several medical emergencies,” said Chief Sutton. “We are also in a position where we can identify and address safety issues that may be happening in the crowd and prevent injuries from occurring.”

Safety is key for the bike patrol teams, adding resources to the cruisers and trucks that are stationed around the community for quick response. Both teams work together with Westerville Parks & Recreation on bike safety programming for new bikers, as well as helmet fitting.

For more information on biking safely, visit www.westerville.org/bikesafe.

Station 111 Firefighter/Medic Andrew Saunders (L), Station 112 Firefighter Garrett Longsmith (R)

Head photo: WPD Bike Patrol Officers include (from left) Brittany Shoup, Jeff Dixon, Adam Dross, Ryan Aspey