Letter about motorcycles in parade ignored facts

Date published: 1/2/2005

I would like to take a moment to set the record straight in reference to Jim Green's letter ["Crass commercialism and loud cycles marred parade," Dec. 9].

He took some exception to the police motorcycles in the Fredericksburg Christmas Parade. While his letter was, I'm sure, entertaining to some readers, it was somewhat lacking in accuracy.

The police motorcycle unit of which he wrote is a highly trained professional group that spends many hours perfecting their craft.

In the "cool-down" maneuver that's mentioned, the motorcycles never leave first gear. The mufflers are standard-issue mufflers one could buy from any Harley dealership.

Jeff Thompson

Annandale

Jeff Thompson is a sergeant with the Fairfax County Police Motor Squad.

Date published: 1/2/2005