On the morning of April 26, the Bluffton Lions Club presented the Bluffton Police Department with its first women’s police patrol bike. The presentation was made with Lions and police department representatives at Bike Crazy LLC, 127 N. Main.

Police Chief Ryan Burkholder notes that “The history of the Bluffton Police Department patrol bikes goes back to the late mid 1990s, which consisted of three men’s bikes. Over the years, the needs of the department have changed with three full-time female police officers and no bikes to fit them properly.

“Corporal Eric Rayle, Stephanie Larcom and I had a discussion when Cpl. Rayle returned back from a Police Bike Instructor course early in Spring of 2022 about moving forward with the appropriate bike for our female officers. Stephanie Larcom suggested a partnership with the Lions Club and was willing to present the idea to the Lions Club at a meeting for us. Corporal Rayle, who is a bicycle enthusiast, spent many hours researching different brands and models which would benefit our female officers. Corporal Eric Rayle found several bikes and then went to our wonderful local business, Bike Crazy, and worked with Raymond and Liz Harner on purchasing the bike through them. At the last Lions Club meeting it was approved and the Lions Club graciously covered the cost of the bike for the department. 

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“This is another great example of how our community works together in strengthening relationships and supporting each other on ways to better our community.” I would like to thank everyone involved including Lions Club President Jim Bemiller and Lions Club members. Raymond & Liz Harner for the dedication to our department. Corporal Eric Rayle with the assistance of Stephanie Larcom for presenting the idea. Officer Hope Hannah puts on the Bike Rodeo for the youth each year and those who assist in that event as well. 

“I feel our department is blessed to have such a giving community to be a part of and we are honored to serve and protect our citizens each day we put on our uniforms.”