Kids on bikes maneuvered obstacle courses, cats were rescued from trees and a police dog jumped on its partner. This was the typical scene of the Dedham Police Bike Rodeo on Wednesday, July 23.
For almost 30 years the Dedham Police Department has sponsored the rodeo with the Dedham Recreation Department. Dedham’s school resource officer Ron Pucci estimated that 200-300 people attended this year’s event at the Endicott Estate.
“I run this event for all the kids, it gives them something to do during the summer. I love it,” Pucci said. “Kids need to learn about bike safety, and we try to do it in a fun and enjoyable way”
Bike races kicked off the event, yet these races had a twist. In this race, the last bike to cross the finish line was the winner.
Following the races, Sgt. Brian Bersani of the Norfolk County Sheriff's Office showed off his own dog Bosco. In the demonstration Bersani showed how Bosco, a German shepherd, helps catch criminals by biting their arms and not letting go until given a command, which is in his native language: Czech.
Bosco and Bersani went through 16 weeks of training. The dog has helped catch many criminals as well as finding drugs.
To demonstrate Bosco’s skills, Officer Pucci put on a giant padded suit. Bosco was let loose and took hold of him. This brought laughter out of all the kids watching.
The Animal Rescue League of Boston brought its animals including snakes and rabbits. The league also demonstrated how they get animals that are stuck at the top of trees. The league averages about three tree rescues a week.
“I love it here, it’s a great time to connect with the community and talk about animals and safety,” said Debby Vogel, an employee of the league.
The police department relies on many donations from local business to make this event possible. The T-shirts were purchased by Dedham Savings Bank. There are many raffle items including the grand prize, two new bicycles.
Everything at the rodeo is free, from the t-shirts to the helmets to the hot dogs and ice cream.
“It’s a great event in town for all the kids,” Trish Sullivan who attended the event said. “Even I learn a lot about bike safety.”
Kids on bikes maneuvered obstacle courses, cats were rescued from trees and a police dog jumped on its partner. This was the typical scene of the Dedham Police Bike Rodeo on Wednesday, July 23.
For almost 30 years the Dedham Police Department has sponsored the rodeo with the Dedham Recreation Department. Dedham’s school resource officer Ron Pucci estimated that 200-300 people attended this year’s event at the Endicott Estate.
“I run this event for all the kids, it gives them something to do during the summer. I love it,” Pucci said. “Kids need to learn about bike safety, and we try to do it in a fun and enjoyable way”
Bike races kicked off the event, yet these races had a twist. In this race, the last bike to cross the finish line was the winner.
Following the races, Sgt. Brian Bersani of the Norfolk County Sheriff's Office showed off his own dog Bosco. In the demonstration Bersani showed how Bosco, a German shepherd, helps catch criminals by biting their arms and not letting go until given a command, which is in his native language: Czech.
Bosco and Bersani went through 16 weeks of training. The dog has helped catch many criminals as well as finding drugs.
To demonstrate Bosco’s skills, Officer Pucci put on a giant padded suit. Bosco was let loose and took hold of him. This brought laughter out of all the kids watching.
The Animal Rescue League of Boston brought its animals including snakes and rabbits. The league also demonstrated how they get animals that are stuck at the top of trees. The league averages about three tree rescues a week.
“I love it here, it’s a great time to connect with the community and talk about animals and safety,” said Debby Vogel, an employee of the league.
The police department relies on many donations from local business to make this event possible. The T-shirts were purchased by Dedham Savings Bank. There are many raffle items including the grand prize, two new bicycles.
Everything at the rodeo is free, from the t-shirts to the helmets to the hot dogs and ice cream.
“It’s a great event in town for all the kids,” Trish Sullivan who attended the event said. “Even I learn a lot about bike safety.”
