Check Out Lynnfield's First Police Motorcycle

On Wednesday afternoon, local media had the opportunity to check out the new Lynnfield Police motorcycle - and depending on how the weather holds up, town residents should start seeing it out on the road within a few days.

The motorcycle, a Harley Davidson Electra Glide, arrived at the department a couple of weeks ago and has since been lettered with the Lynnfield Police insignia.

Joining Chief David Breen Wednesday in front of the police station were Brian Kelly, CEO of Kelly Automotive Group, and Officer Ray Barnes. Starting early this year, Kelly helped the department raise funds for a one-year lease for the motorcycle, which costs about $4,000. "The only way we could make this work was to establish a partnership with local business," said Breen.

Barnes is currently the only officer on the Lynnfield force certified to ride the motorcycle, although two of his colleagues are expected to undergo their own training in the fairly near future.

As the town's school resource officer, Barnes will be able to bring the motorcycle to various school events. "We'd like to use it in all the schools," said Barnes, adding that "students tend to feel uncomfortable with police in school and if you show you're regular and approachable, you can let them know you're there for them." Barnes has been certified to use a police motorcycle for about three years now and occasionally rode one during his previous time with the Peabody force.

One upcoming event where the bike is likely to make an appearance is the annual Fun Run later this month at Huckleberry Hill Elementary School.

This is the first motorcycle in the history of the Lynnfield Police Force, noted Breen. He estimates that neighboring Peabody uses about five police motorcycles, with another two in service in Wakefield.

"I was surprised they didn't have one," said Kelly, adding that he is a longtime motorcycle enthusiast who himself owns two Harleys. In recent months, Kelly Automotive Group has also helped fund the athletic field project at Beverly High School as well as after school programs for 7th and 8th graders at Higgins Middle School in Peabody.