The History of the Dublin Police Department Motorcycle Unit
In the summer of 1998, at the direction of then Chief Rob Geis, a proposal was submitted by Lt. Heinz Von Eckartsberg for the formation of Dublin’s first ever motorcycle unit. The police department had received a recent commitment from BMW Financial (headquartered in Dublin at the time) for the donation of two BMW R1100RT –P police motorcycles. Chief Geis accepted the proposal, and the unit was born.
By the end of the summer, the selection process was completed. Officer John Wright #130 and Officer Todd Evans #125 became Dublin’s first motor cops. Officer Brian Wolfe #119 was selected as an alternate.
All three officers attended the Northwestern University Traffic Institute’s Police Motorcycle Operator National Academy in Galveston, TX and became certified that November.
In January of 1999, the Dublin Division of Police accepted official delivery of the two police motors during an official ceremony in the lobby of BMW Financial, and the unit was officially in action.
Over the past 10 years, the Dublin Division of Police has added 2 more motors and 4 more officers to the unit which currently consists of 6 officers and 4 motors. In the beginning, motor officers focused solely on traffic issues, but are now integrated into patrol, respond to all calls and function as full-service street units.
Information and Photos provided by the Dublin, OH Police Department.