JCL Automotive Donates Bicycle to Hellertown PD

When Steve Bartholomew, of JCL Automotive, read a recent story on Hellertown Patch about the borough police department's plan to purchase a bicycle for patroling the Saucon Rail Trail, he said he knew he wanted to help.

And JCL subsequently did just that, by donating more than $1,400 to the Hellertown Police Department to fund the purchase of a new bicycle.

The generous donation was recently recognized by Hellertown Police Chief Robert Shupp and Mayor Richard Fluck, both of whom visited JCL on April 18 to present a certificate of appreciation to Bartholomew and his colleague Chris Limantour.

"We really appreciate you guys donating this bike," Shupp said to the men. "It's fantastic."

"We appreciate the job that you guys do," Limantour told Shupp.

The opportunity to pay for a bicycle "was a chance to do something (in return)," he added.

Bartholomew noted that when he was young, there was a police bicycle patrol in his neighborhood.

Of the Hellertown bike patrol, he said he hopes "younger kids will see that" and develop a positive relationship with the officers who serve them as a result of it.

Shupp agreed, and emphasized that "police are more approachable on bikes."

He said bicycle patrols will begin in the near future, by officers Kevin McCartney, Matt Andree and Dominick Fragano.

In addition to the custom-fitted bicycle, a bike rack is also being purchased from Saucon Valley Bikes, so officers can quickly take the wheels to different neighborhoods.

The issue of bicycle patrols was brought up after new interpretive signs along the rail trail were vandalized with graffiti last month.

Hellertown Borough Council subsequently voted to approve funding for the purchase of one new bike. Because of the donation, however, the bike rack will be the only item the borough has to pay for.