The History of the Colorado Springs Police Department Motorcycle Unit
City Council Minutes Book 12, Page 279 – 07/01/1910
Councilman Whitaker at this time said that he was short of men in Police Department, and asked that the Mayor appoint George Carpenter temporarily, as an emergency appointment, and Mayor Avery appointed Mr. Carpenter.
City Council Minutes Book 12, Page 292 – 07/20/1910
Commissioner Whitaker reported that the City speed official, had been run down while riding his motorcycle by an auto truck owned by Wandell and Lowe; the driver of said truck at the time of accident assuming all blame and agreeing to assume all expense for repairing the motorcycle, but Commissioner Whitaker said that he had now been informed that Wandell and Lowe, the owners of the truck refused to settle for the damage done in any way and he recommended that the matter be placed in the hands of the City Attorney to begin action to recover the amount of damages to the motorcycle. On motion of Council Himebaugh, seconded by Councilman Frost, the matter was referred to the City Attorney, and recommendation adopted.
City Council Minutes Book 12, Page 312 – 08/24/1910
Commissioner Whitaker said that it had cost his department $96.50 to repair the motorcycle belonging to speed-officer Carpenter which had been run into and damaged by Wandell & Lowe Transfer Companys auto truck, and asked that the Council approve the expenditure. On motion of Councilman Lawton, seconded by Councilman Himebaugh, the bill was approved by the following vote: Frost, Himebaugh, Lawton, Whitaker and Mr. President, yea.
City Council Minutes Book 13, Page 212 – 01/17/1912
Councilman Himebaugh asked authorization of the Council to pay for a motorcycle purchased for the Police Department at a cost of $192.50, and on motion of Councilman Lawton, seconded by Councilman Frost, the purchase was authorized by Councilmen Frost, Himebaugh, Lawton and Mr. President voting yea. Whitaker absent.
City Council Minutes Book 14, Page 394 – 05/28/1915
On motion of Councilman Johnson, seconded by Councilmen Eubank, Councilman Botts was instructed to sell the old motorcycle in his department for $50, or best price obtainable. Councilmen Anderson, Botts, Eubank, Johnson and Mr. President voting yea.
City Council Minutes Book 14, Page 434 – 08/25/1915
Councilman Johnson asked authorization to purchase a motorcycle for use of the Police Department, at a cost of $285.00 — trading in the old machine for $100 leaving the net price to the City at $185. On motion of Councilman Anderson, seconded by Councilman Eubank, the purchase was authorized by Councilmen Anderson, Botts, Eubank, Johnson and Mr. President voting yea.
City Council Minutes Book 15, Page 318 – 05/03/1918
Councilman Johnson asked authority to pay the Lucas Sporting Goods Company the sum of $255. and trade in an old Motorcycle, for a new Motorcycle for the Police Department. Upon motion of Councilman Chapman, seconded by Councilman Botts, the purchase was authorized by Councilman Botts, Chapman, Johnson and Mr. Payton voting yea.
City Council Minutes Book 15, Page 448 – 04/25/1919
Councilman Johnson asked authority to purchase a Harley Davidson Motorcycle from W.I. Lucas, cost not to exceed $400; and also authority to have the old Motorcycle of the Police Department repaired, at an approximate cost of $75 to $100. Upon motion of Councilman Chapman, seconded by Councilman Payton, it was so ordered, Councilmen Botts, Chapman, Johnson and Payton voting yea.
Information and Photos provided by the Colorado Springs, CO Police Department