Capitol Police buy 16 bicycles for children

The Capitol Police have purchased bicycles for 16 less fortunate children this Christmas.

The more than $600 to buy the bikes was contributed by a dozen members of the agency, which provides law enforcement protection for state government buildings including the Capitol and the Nevada Supreme Court.

"We really enjoy it," said Chief Brad Valladon. "It's just a little bit of Christmas spirit."

Officer Chuck Brummer, who organized the project, said this is the second year they've collected money to buy bicycles.

"We just get a lot of joy out of making some kids happy," he said.

Brummer said they were aided by Wal-Mart, which gave them a big discount on the price of the bikes and added a free bike to the list to make the total 16.

The bicycles were split between the Salvation Army and Project Santa and will be distributed to needy children in Carson City and Douglas County.

Carson's Salvation Army Director Charles Norris said they have 516 children on their Christmas list this year and the bicycles will help meet the goal of giving all of those children at least two gifts.

Jerry Rasmussen of Project Santa said the eight bikes they received Friday will be given out at the Gardnerville Fairgrounds.

In addition to Valladon and Brummer, officers donating to the cause are Sgt. Randy Smith, Ken Hewlett, Stan McGarry, Jay Logue, Mike Bushley, Mike Petti, Chris Navarro, Michael Fox, Suzanne Otey and Christian Normandy of Carson City. Las Vegas members contributing were Sgt. Tony Gasparino and officers Eric Mancao and Keri Halvorsen.

Police collected extra contributions this year from Julie Watt of the State Controller's Office and Janice Webb of the Secretary of State's Office.

Distribution of the toys at The Salvation Army will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at 661 Colorado St.

Contact Geoff Dornan at nevadaappeal@sbcglobal.net or call 687-8750.