MANSFIELD — Alan Edwards had a busy evening Wednesday, including as an impromptu photographer during a City Council meeting.
The Mansfield community policing officer promises to have an even busier day on Saturday at the 11th annual Bike-A-Palooza event at North Lake Park, 625 Hope Road, an event he organizes as a community policing officer.
The event — which includes giving away as many as 100 new bicycles to children — is free to the public from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The bicycle raffle is expected to begin around 12:30 p.m.
“This year is going to be the biggest one yet,” said 5th Ward Councilman Aurelio Diaz, praising the work of Edwards in the community.
“I’m going to just brag about (Edwards), not that I need to, because we all feel the same way. I just really love the way that you’re being embraced in the community more and more by so many different communities that wouldn’t ordinarily uplift the police,” Diaz said.
“I think you’re a testament to doing the right thing, being relatable,” the local lawmaker said.
At-large Councilwoman Shari Robertson joined in the praise of Edwards, who has organized the popular annual Bike-A-Palooza.
“Alan may kick me later for this, but he was recently tested and passed the Ohio Crime Prevention Association certified crime prevention specialist test,” Robertson said.
The OCPA program is a three-day training course, which includes a 100-question exam based on the OCPA manual. The program designates professionals with expertise in proactive community safety strategies, including crime prevention through environmental design and loss prevention.
“(Edwards) is the first MPD officer in several years to pass that test, and it’s no easy task,” said Robertson, a retired Mansfield police captain.
“I think that for him to take that on …. it’s something that’s not mandated … for the chief to allow him to do that … that’s commendable,” Robertson said.
“Thank you again for not just helping the community, but also bettering yourself to improve the community,” she said.
According to city officials, Bike-A-Palooza is a free, family-friendly community event designed to bring families together for a day filled with fun, education, and connection while promoting bicycle safety and healthy outdoor activity.
This year’s event is scheduled to include:
• Bike Ride with a Cop
• Bicycle Safety Rodeo
• Bike inspections and minor repairs
• Bounce houses
• Family entertainment & food
• Face painting
• Activities with the Mansfield Fire Department
Every child who registers will receive a free bicycle helmet while supplies last. All attendees are encouraged to join Mansfield police officers for a community bike ride along the B&O Trail, which will begin at the conclusion of the event.
