Sheriff’s office highlights motorcycle patrols

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office said that beyond conducting regular traffic control, motorcycle deputies are often used for funeral escorts, dignitary escorts and special event protection.

“Because of their versatility,” the office said in a news release, “these powerful vehicles can even navigate through sandy and wooded paths that would be unreachable for standard law enforcement vehicles.”

Motorcycle deputies quoted in the release said their daily challenges include cooling off due to the amount of gear they wear and the constant threat of traffic congestion and distracted drivers. “We have to constantly be watching for those who may not be watching for us,” the two deputies interviewed for the release stated.

In 2018, one Clay motorcycle officer lost his life in a traffic crash. Deputy Ben Zirbel died when a pickup truck towing a utility lawn trailer turned into the path of Zirbel’s motorcycle near Blanding Boulevard and Camp Francis Johnson Road.

The agency said that typically, CCSO motor deputies train one day each month and complete a full re-certification every six months. Their training includes bike management skills and addressing the unexpected event, including how to right a fallen bike, which can weigh close to 1000 pounds fully equipped, without assistance.

The office added that when not running radar from a stationary position, the CCSO motors are watching for infractions, assisting drivers, working school zones, and addressing complaints of excessive speed within the numerous neighborhoods of Clay County.

“Because the motors don’t operate within specific zones, they are free to roam throughout the county and can respond quickly when needed,” the agency said. “They are also tasked to address tips from the SaferWatch App that more and more Clay County residents are utilizing.”