Capital Cops buy 21 bikes for needy kids

Capital police officers pooled their resources this year to buy 21 new bicycles for needy children in the Carson City area.

Acting Chief Brad Valladon said nine Carson-based officers contributed to the effort along with five members of the Las Vegas force. He credited Officer Chuck Brummer for putting together the deal.

Officers presented the bikes to Steve Mitchell of the Salvation Army and Jerry Rasmussen of Project Santa on the steps of the Capitol Tuesday.

Brummer said Target, Wal-Mart and Kmart gave them a great deal on the bikes, which range from tiny cycles designed for those just past the toddler stage to 24-inch models for young teens.

"Each of our officers donated $50 or more," Brummer said.

To go with the bikes, he said, the Public Safety Department's Office of Traffic Safety donated a helmet to go with each bicycle to make sure the young riders are safer.

Carson officers who contributed include Valladon, Sgt. Randy Smith and officers Brummer, Ken Hewlett, Stan McGarry, Art Rumple, Jay Logue and Mike Bushley. Las Vegas officers Mike Cain, Jim Hensen, Shawn Sandy, Eric Mancao and Mike Hottman also contributed.