photos courtesy of the Ridgewood Police Department
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Police Department (RPD) is proud to announce the return of its Motor Unit, marking the first time in several years that the department has reinstated its motorcycle division. Police motorcycles play a crucial role in traffic enforcement, patrol duties, escorts, public relations, and parades, making this addition a significant milestone for the community.
A New Era for Ridgewood’s Motor Unit
Leading the charge is Det. Kyle Monton, who was selected to attend the rigorous Maryland State Police Basic Motorcycle School at the Bergen County Law and Public Safety Institute. This ten-day intensive course is mandatory for all motor officers, ensuring they possess the advanced riding skills necessary for law enforcement duties.
RPD also welcomes its newest fleet member, MC-1 – a 2024 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide, a model renowned for its reliability and performance in police work.
The Rich History of Ridgewood’s Motorcycle Unit
The Ridgewood Police Department first incorporated motorcycles into its fleet in 1920, when Lieutenant Jack Sommerrock became the first certified motor officer. Over the years, motorcycles were phased out and reintroduced based on the department’s evolving needs:
- 1929 – Motorcycles were replaced by Ford Roadsters.
- 1932 – Motorcycles made a comeback with the purchase of an Indian Motorcycle and two Chevrolet Roadsters. Initially, they were only used during daylight hours in the central business district.
- Early 2000s – The Special 1 police officers, who operated motorcycles, were phased out, leading to the unit’s dissolution.
- 2018 – A resident donated a BMW motorcycle that was previously used by the California Highway Patrol. Officers Paul Knapp (ret.) and Rosario Vaccarella (ret.) became the first RPD officers to be certified through the Maryland State Police Motorcycle School. Unfortunately, the BMW was decommissioned after sustaining flood damage.
The Return of RPD’s Motor Unit in 2024
Thanks to the Ridgewood Village Council’s approval, the Motor Unit is back, stronger than ever. The department’s new Harley-Davidson Electra Glide is set to enhance public safety efforts, improve traffic control, and strengthen community engagement through its use in public events.
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great idea
hopefully they won’t leave this one in the flood zone at village hall and have it ruined like the last one
They don’t give a shit, it was old anyway
They had a three wheeler that the motorcycle cop used for traffic & parking, he loved using white chalk on the tires,
And they had two on I believe 500s they used for special events
I’m as pro police as they come, but this is a totally absurd waste of money. There are zero practical policing needs for this.
I’m way more police than you which is why I can tell you this has nothing to do with practicality, and nor should it, and everything to do with the prestige our department deserves.
I think they should get a a few of these, and I think they should get a couple horses so they can patrol all the parks woods, how cool would that be? There’s always someone against motorcycles. I remember back in a 90s when we had snow blizzards and our won’t say who but certain high ranking officers were against staffing four-wheel-drive vehicles, their mark was I don’t need my offices out there cowboying around. Such a stupid remark. Now, every town around here has four-wheel-drive, all-wheel-drive, they can respond to emergencies not like before. I remember during blizzards we had cops riding around with the Dpw carrying Oxygen and first aid kits.
Oh sure. How about a patrol elephant too? Surely the budget has room for a fulltime mahout.
Seriously? The village is falling apart and this was a priority right now? RW needs a DOGE!
Appearances matter too. Just because we’re trashy doesn’t mean we have to look trashy.