Community Groups Donate Electric Police Bike

Photo courtesy Long Branch Police Department

  LONG BRANCH – The Elks #742 club, Oakhurst VFW as well as other community organizations and businesses came together to raise funds to purchase an electric bike for the Long Branch Police Department.

  The idea was first formed when Jim Gallo, a member of The Elks #742 club, noticed a Monmouth Beach police officer patrolling the beach on an electric bike. He then reached out to his friend at the Long Branch Police Department, Lt. Charles Shirley and asked if the department had an electric bike.

  After hearing the department did not have an electric bike, Gallo asked, “what if I were able to get the Elks to donate one?” Public Safety Director Domingos A. Saldida told Gallo the department would love that.

  After researching the cost of the bike, that started Gallo’s mission to seek funding and donations. He reached out to Jim Mack, Commander of the Oakhurst VFW, and asked if they could help. Jim continued to approach several more businesses within the area and ultimately was able to secure enough funding to purchase the bike.   

  The Long Branch Police Department thanks all who donated: Cindy Van Brunt and Frank Noble of Flowers by Van Brunt; Alessandro DiFede, owner of Bella’s Pizza; Joey Caputo, owner of Caputo’s Bakery; Scott Attaway, owner of Fanagle the Bagel; Oakhurst VFW; and Jim Gallo.