An anonymous donor made it possible for 101 police bicycles to be distributed to 89 New Jersey police departments, including Lakewood and one from Philadelphia in honor of a fallen police officer at the "20th Anniversary 101 Bike Awards" today at the Police Athletic League Complex in Parsippany. There were 101 bikes because 101 was Keith's badge number.While his life ended tragically, 20 years later Essex County police officer Keith Neumann's memory is living on in the hearts of his family and in the police community. "I am sure that Keith has the biggest grin in heaven," said his mother, Ellie Neumann, 71, who smiled during the ceremony and pressed a picture of her son against her. It's the photo taken two months before the 24-year-old Essex County police officer was accidentally shot and killed during a drug raid on Aug. 3, 1989, six weeks after he was married. The bicycles, such as the fully equipped 2009 Cannondale Police Mountain Bikes police received today, can cost around $1,000, and it took 13 years to raise enough money to acquire them. When they did, the family thought their work was done. But then a phone call came from someone offering to donate enough money to purchase another 101 bicycles. A week later, the anonymous donor, who doesn't even live in New Jersey, gave a check for $153,000. Today, many departments left with just one bike, but that one bike will enhance bike patrols throughout the state, officials said. Deputy Police Chief Charles (Chuck) Smith of Lakewood was grateful not only for the bike, but for Keith Neumann's valor in performing his duty. At the end of the ceremony, Smith kneeled down, took Ellie Neumann's hand into his palms and said, "Mrs. Neumann, thank you. Thank you for your son's service." (excerpts from Sl).
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Lakewood And Other NJ Police Departments Receive New Bikes
An anonymous donor made it possible for 101 police bicycles to be distributed to 89 New Jersey police departments, including Lakewood and one from Philadelphia in honor of a fallen police officer at the "20th Anniversary 101 Bike Awards" today at the Police Athletic League Complex in Parsippany. There were 101 bikes because 101 was Keith's badge number.While his life ended tragically, 20 years later Essex County police officer Keith Neumann's memory is living on in the hearts of his family and in the police community. "I am sure that Keith has the biggest grin in heaven," said his mother, Ellie Neumann, 71, who smiled during the ceremony and pressed a picture of her son against her. It's the photo taken two months before the 24-year-old Essex County police officer was accidentally shot and killed during a drug raid on Aug. 3, 1989, six weeks after he was married. The bicycles, such as the fully equipped 2009 Cannondale Police Mountain Bikes police received today, can cost around $1,000, and it took 13 years to raise enough money to acquire them. When they did, the family thought their work was done. But then a phone call came from someone offering to donate enough money to purchase another 101 bicycles. A week later, the anonymous donor, who doesn't even live in New Jersey, gave a check for $153,000. Today, many departments left with just one bike, but that one bike will enhance bike patrols throughout the state, officials said. Deputy Police Chief Charles (Chuck) Smith of Lakewood was grateful not only for the bike, but for Keith Neumann's valor in performing his duty. At the end of the ceremony, Smith kneeled down, took Ellie Neumann's hand into his palms and said, "Mrs. Neumann, thank you. Thank you for your son's service." (excerpts from Sl).
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Why does a bike cost $1,000?
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