Fundraiser launched to replace police motorcycles

The nonprofit Philadelphia Police Foundation has donated two motorcycles to the department's highway patrol unit, kicking off an "Adopt-A-Motorcycle" campaign boosters hope will raise enough money to fund another dozen.

Maureen Rush, the foundation's board president and the University of Pennsylvania's public safety vice president, is expected to present the 2015 Harley-Davidson Police Road King motorcycles at a news conference outside police headquarters at 11 a.m. today.

Supporters aim to replace the highway patrol's aging fleet of 14 motorcycles. Each bike, outfitted with police gear and prepared by Brian's Harley-Davidson in Langhorne, costs $18,000, according to the foundation.

Motorcycle replacement isn't in the city's current budget, foundation supporters said. But police expect they'll use the new bikes in upcoming special events such as Pope Francis' September visit, next summer's Democratic National Convention and the annual Hero Thrill Show, as well as everyday tasks like traffic and crowd control and escorting dignitaries.

Donors can contribute online at www.phillypolicefoundation.org or by sending a check to Philadelphia Police Foundation, 4040 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA, 19104 (memo to Adopt-A-Motorcycle Fund). To make a gift of appreciated securities, call Rush at (215) 898-7515.

The foundation, which was established in 1999, has raised and given more than $500,000 for police equipment, programs and training not covered by the city budget, organizers said.