LPD Has New Motorcycle Officer Monday, August 17, 2009 (23:44:25) This article contributed by editor Lemoore residents should be noticing the addition of a second motorcycle officer on their streets. Alvaro Santos finished his specific training to become a motorcycle officer two weeks ago. It's a job he said relates to his personal life. "I love motorcycles," Santos said. "I do a lot of riding when I'm off of work. I love to ride where there's a lot of sharp turns." Becoming a motorcycle officer isn't easy. Santos' 40-hour training session included two weeks of grueling "on the street" work where he proved he could handle the BMW 1200 cycles used by the LPD. "They're a big machine weighing about 1,000 pounds," Santos said. Santos' greatest worry in this position is a collision. "Other drivers don't see motorcycles," Santos said. Motorcycles allow police officers better maneuverability and can get to places a regular patrol car can't, according to Santos. One big drawback to being on the motorcycle patrol is working 10-hour shifts in the heat. "Sometimes the exhaustion can take a lot out of you," Santos said. Residents should see Santos directing traffic, responding to collisions, working DUI and seatbelt checkpoints, assisting at funerals, dealing with parking complaints and any calls usually answered by police officers. "The public needs to slow down," Santos said, "especially with all the construction going on. They need to drive carefully and be aware." Santos, his brown eyes sparkling, said the best part of being on the motorcycle was the feeling of freedom it afforded him and the ability to work at his own pace. Santos, a native of the San Fernando Valley, has always seen himself as a police officer. He has been part of the LPD for more than three years and joins Cpl. Pat Mundy on the motorcycle patrol. Source: Advance Reporter Content received from: Brain Bucket Magazine, http://brainbucketmag.com