Photo credits: http://www.timesdaily.com
There are many things in life that create memories that last for a very long time and in Tuscumbia, the police department has rather fond memories of the motorcycles used back in the days and has taken the initiative to restore it back to perfection.
The 1974 Police Department strolled around the city with their Harley-Davidsons. Many of the bike were damaged by fire and it took intense effort to search for parts that were from 1974 in order to restore it.
“I remember when I was a kid and Mr. Poston was a motorcycle officer,” said Police Chief Tony Logan. “You could hear it coming a mile away, and all of us kids used to love checking it out. That was a way for us to get to know him. Even before community policing was a term, that’s what they did with that motorcycle.”
Photo credits: Tuscumbia
Former police officer Earnest Bechard was on motorcycle patrol back in 1960-1963. He was extremely thrilled when he heard about the plans to restore Officer Ray Poston’s bike.
“I didn’t even know where it was,” said Bechard. “They found it in the back of the jail. They hadn’t ridden it in a long time, and Tony wanted to get it back together. It wasn’t in any running shape. We got it out and it’s been over a period of time that it got repaired.”
The bike was restored with the help of Bechard and the Natchez Trace Harley-Davidson dealership and it was revealed during the recent Tuscumbia Christmas Parade.
Photo credits: http://www.timesdaily.com
“It’s the same old feel on it,” he said. “It’s a good old motorcycle. I really enjoyed riding it.”
“I’m going to find a siren for it so next time we’ll have that to raise a little racket,” Bechard said.
Definitely a good way to preserve nostalgic memories alongside the motorcycle spirit!