Binns' fund is replacing cops' bikes

Attorney Jimmy Binns loves everything about the Philly cops - except for those antiquated motorcycles the Highway Patrol was forced to use.

So, in typical Binns' fashion, he decided to do something about it. With funds raised by private donations, Binns has been able to replace more than half of the fleet.

He presented 25 new Harley Davidsons to the department during a Fourth of July ceremony outside the Franklin Institute as part of the Sunoco Welcome America! festival.

Mayor Street and Police Commissioner Sylvester Johnson accepted the vehicles.

"I wanted to ensure that our police officers are operating the safest state-of-the-art equipment that is possible for them to have," said Binns, who also runs the plaque program honoring police and firefighters who have died in the line of duty.

Binns is also integral in the revival and success of the annual Hero Thrill Show.

"What Binns has been able to do as a philanthropist is to inspire private citizens and businesses to come to the table and say they want to help Philadelphia and make it safer," said city Managing Director Lori D. Jones.

But Binns isn't finished yet.

Through an agreement with Barb's Harley-Davidson of New Jersey, he plans to replace the remaining 30-plus older bikes in the future, and replace the bikes with new machines every year.

Binns said he is engaged in on-going fund-raising to make this possible. To date, he has raised some $400,000 for the effort.

"I think that by Binns being the conduit, the facilitator, it builds morale, just to see those shiny, glossy motorcycles that have all the high-tech gadgetry," said Police Executive Officer Kimberly Byrd.

"It was exciting to see." *