They are new to the township and are quickly gaining popularity. You might have seen one at National Night Out, the Color Run or on the streets of Salisbury. They are called Enduro bikes and are slowly becoming the symbol of the Salisbury Police Department.

The Enduro unit is comprised of Officers Budd Frankenfield, Jay Vasilik, Kyle Watson and Bryan Losagio.

Losagio, who has been with the department for 22 years, invited The Press to a few recent community events to learn about the Enduro bikes and unit.

“We have been talking about it for many years. Chief [Donald] Sabo was on board with getting them and after our board of commissioners approved it, we bought them. We discussed UTVs (utility vehicles) but decided that this style of vehicle would best serve the needs of our township,” Losagio explained.

So why the need for this new policing in the township?

According to Losagio, “The initial purpose for them was to patrol areas of the township where standard police vehicles struggle. Areas such as Walking Purchase Park, Constitution Drive, Pumphouse Road, Riverside Drive. We have a lot of trails in those areas where more attention is needed. Stolen vehicles, mobs of ATVs and dirt bikes, trespassing, loud music, etc. are all very common there. We received a lot of complaints in that area and needed a safer and more efficient way to access sections of it. We also have other areas in the township, such as the large tower on Savercool Avenue and multiple community parks that do well with concentrated patrols inside them.

“The bikes allow for complete mobility to all areas of the township. With the renovation of Lindberg Park, that now has a large recreational area, these bikes make policing more efficient and effective. They also allow officers to patrol the narrow but long trails in Franko Park, which standard police vehicles would not fit through.”

The process to apply for this unit was open to all members of the department. A valid motorcycle license was required. Frankenfield, Vasilik, Watson and Losagio entered the Enduro unit, each with their own policing and motorcycle years of experience. They also received specific training for this new patrol unit.

As for the bikes, they are Suzuki Enduros, DR Z400s. They are equipped with emergency lights and a siren.

They have become quite popular, especially with the younger members of the community. For the officers, it’s a new way for them to explain what they do to protect them, their families and the greater Salisbury community.