Bridgeport Police Department has formed a motorcycle unit. Leading the program is Walter May, a veteran motor officer who has been pushing to get back on the bike after his time at Fort Worth Police Department. MICAH MCCARTNEY | WCMESSENGER
The Bridgeport Police Department has added a new tool to its patrol fleet — and it comes with two wheels, a trademark rumble and an experienced motor officer behind the bars.
The department recently launched its new Harley-Davidson motorcycle unit. The program was unveiled when the maroon and chrome clad hog led the Christmas in July parade earlier this summer.
Officer Walter May is running the newly-formed unit. He’s a veteran motor officer who joined Bridgeport PD five years ago after an 18-year run with the Fort Worth Police Department’s motorcycle division.
He’s been itching to get back on the bike ever since.
“It’s hot and cold, but it’s still the best job in the world,” May said.
The pieces fell into place for the program this summer. May believes it will improve public safety in Bridgeport.
“Traffic enforcement is necessary. You have to have it,” May said. “And a motor officer is an easy and effective way to improve traffic enforcement. People tend to respect motor officers more. It’s a diversion from people driving and acting up, if they know we’re around.”
Bridgeport Police Chief Steve Stanford said he’s confident the unit will be successful because of who’s leading it.
“First of all, Walter is an exceptional human,” Stanford said. “He’s very knowledgeable and has extensive experience in law enforcement. He understands intentional traffic enforcement instead of random patrol techniques. I think he exemplifies everything we want in a police officer in Bridgeport.”
“He looks the part, has the experience and is level-headed,” Stanford added. “When you think of the historical motor officer, Walter May fits that.”
The department has been working toward the program for several years, but challenges like staffing, finding room in the budget and ensuring patrol coverage delayed implementation. Recently, donations to the department helped pave the way to begin outfitting a specialized Harley with a siren, lights and, of course, the Bridgeport Police Department badge.
The cost to outfit the bike and begin the program is around $30,000. Stanford said the cost of the bike did not come of the department’s budget.
The motorcycle unit is expected to enhance targeted enforcement efforts, especially in high-traffic areas like U.S. 380 and near school zones.
“In the last two to three years, traffic along 380 has increased upwards of 25 to 30 percent,” Stanford said. “We see about 20,000 vehicles traveling between Bridgeport and Decatur daily. There’s a lot of opportunity for hazards, so we want to be intentional in patrolling this area as well as our school zones.”
Stanford said patrolling tight areas in a full-size SUV, like a Tahoe, can be difficult — making the motorcycle unit a more agile and visible option in key zones. The goal is to address safety concerns while reinforcing the department’s commitment to proactive policing.
“Our residents deserve safe streets, especially around our schools,” Stanford said.
In addition to enforcement benefits, Stanford hopes it can also improve the department’s community engagement efforts. Harley Davidson’s are objectively cool, and its debut at the parade drew interest and engagement from community members.
“There’s a nostalgia with the Harley-Davidson,” Stanford said. “It resonates. It’s a symbol — and now, it’s a part of how we protect our community.”
Micah McCartney contributed to this report.
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