Security Forces gain new vehicle, test bicycle patrol

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Erik Hofmeyer
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  The 482nd Security Forces Squadron recently added new "wheels" to its arsenal to upgrade the patrol vehicle fleet and to test a forward-thinking program.

A new patrol car with state-of-the-art equipment arrived on base in January, and the squadron is testing a bicycle patrol program currently pending approval from Air Force Reserve Command Headquarters.

"Our commander wants a professional image for the Security Forces. Along with being professional, you have to look professional," said Master Sgt. William Gordon, 482nd SFS. "The patrol cars represent us around base."

The vehicle is equipped with a new LED light bar and control system as opposed to older models using the rotating halogen bulbs, and has the base emergency number 7777 marked on the side.

"Having the new car is great for morale, and we're scheduled to receive three more cars in the future," Sergeant Gordon said.

Though only in a testing phase at Homestead Air Reserve Base, the bicycle patrol serves as a force multiplier aiding Security Forces members in everyday duties. The program is also utilized by some active-duty bases.

Benefits of the bicycle patrol include riding to walkways and unpaved areas that are unreachable in patrol cars, increased cardiovascular exercise, cuts in gasoline and vehicle mileage costs, and deterring the violation of base traffic laws, said Master Sgt. John Frank, 482nd SFS supervisor.

The base populace keeps growing with new tenant units and expanding operations, which leads to more traffic on base roads. Speeders won't see the bicycle patrol until after they've been caught, Sergeant Frank said.

Members are fully prepared before taking on this form of patrol.

"We require that our members undergo a certification course before hopping on the bicycle patrol," Sergeant Frank said. "Over the years, we've developed relationships with outside agencies, and the Miami Beach Police Department invited us to go through their certified course free of charge. They also donated the Police bicycle we use here on base."

Six Security Forces members completed the 3-day, 30-hour course that offered training in maneuvering in tight situations, dealing with vehicles, on-road, off-road, city environment and other practical applications, Sergeant Frank said.

This program isn't novel to Air Force Security Forces; some active-duty bases have utilized bicycle patrols, and the 482nd Security Forces members will find out in the near future whether or not the program is here to stay.