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2030 North Arlington Avenue • Duluth, Minnesota 55811 • www.duluthmn.gov
Public Information Officer, Mattie Hjelseth at (218) 730-5434 or mhjelseth@duluthmn.gov
SUBJECT: DPD & DFD to collaborate to expand bike patrol presence during Grandma's Marathon
BY: Ingrid Hornibrook
NATURE OF INCIDENT: Community Engagement
CASE NO.:
INCIDENT DATE: 6/22/2019
INCIDENT TIME:
INCIDENT LOCATION: Canal Park, Duluth, MN
[DULUTH, MN] - For the first time ever, the Duluth Police Department and Duluth Fire Department are partnering up to increase bike patrol during Grandma’s Marathon. This one event brings in tens of thousands of people and ensuring the safety of participants and spectators is paramount for all first responders. Bike patrol is an important part of public safety and community engagement. Bikes make officers more accessible to individuals out in the community and make it possible to quickly maneuver through dense crowds, enabling first responders to get to a call for service quickly.
“We’re grateful for the willingness of the DFD to partner up with our bike patrol this Saturday,” said Bike Patrol Sergeant, Kelly Greenwalt. “All first responders have the safety of the public as their number one priority, so it only makes sense we expand this program to other first responders during this big event.”
"DFD is looking forward to this opportunity to safeguard the community in a unified front with DPD," commented Duluth Fire Captain, Dan Smith. "Bike patrol is a great opportunity for our departments to serve the citizens of Duluth and its visitors in an interactive way, and to grow our partnership with the police department."
First responders on bike patrol will be covering the Canal Park area on Grandma's Marathon day. Bike patrol will be engaging heavily with the community to enhance the feeling of safety and enjoyment during this major event, which has a long history of safety.
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