The History of the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office Motorcycle Unit
The Indian River County Sheriff’ Office Traffic Unit has 2 deputies assigned to full time duty in the motors section. Additionally, the Unit sergeant is certified to use motors on a part-time basis or when needed and an additional deputy is slated to begin the motor certification process soon. The agency has utilized motors periodically throughout the 1970s and 80s and began its current motor section in 2006. The first motor unit for the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office was Doug MacKenzie Sr., (pictured) sometime in the very early 1970s. The motorcycle he used was actually his personal bike that the agency paid to have painted to match the patrol car colors. Deputy MacKenzie’s son, Doug Jr., has been with our agency since 1989 and served for many years as a K-9 handler. His childhood dream of following in his father’s footsteps (or rather tire tread marks) came to fruition in 2011when Doug MacKenzie Jr., (pictured) joined the motor section of our Traffic Unit.
We now have 4 Harley Davidson Police Edition motorcycles and 1 sport bike. The sport bike was seized as part of a criminal case and is used primarily in parades, exhibitions, and static displays. Our Traffic Unit was established in 1998 with 4 deputies. We currently have 5 deputies assigned and plan expand the unit as the need arises.
The mission of the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office is to serve the public with dignity, integrity, and professional service while enhancing our partnership with the community in order to protect life and property, prevent crime, and solve problems. Sheriff Deryl Loar is proud to include our motor deputies in the fulfillment of this mission.
Information and Photos provided by the Indian River County, FL Sheriff’s Office.