Port Angeles’ newest police vehicle — and it has a flashing light and siren

Published 12:01 am Wednesday, October 1, 2008

PORT ANGELES — Port Angeles Police Officer Duane Benedict took his new Segway scooter for its first ride on Tuesday.

And many people wanted to take a closer look.

“I would say that just today, the first day that I’ve used it, I’ve made more contacts than I would have in a whole week in a car,” Benedict said.

The Segway Personal Transporter, which was picked up last Thursday, was a new addition for the downtown officer.

It is a two-wheeled, self-balancing, battery-powered scooter.

The Segway, which was about $6,500, was funded completely by donations, Benedict said.

About 30 people and organizations contributed to the purchase.

They had seen it in action this summer when the police department borrowed a Segway free of charge from SK Northwest in Portland, Ore.