18th Annual Toys for Tots Ride at Central Harley-Davidson

I had heard from Penny Sharp that she and her husband, Jim Sfetko, were going to ride from Olathe. Not wanting to miss the opportunity to photograph their Road King loaded with “I Am Loved®” teddy bears, I decided to register at the south store as well. This year, Jim built a special rack so that even more bears could ride. There were about four dozen large bears and approximately 60 in all. The bears were donated by Helzberg Diamonds where Jim worked for over 38 years prior to his recent retirement. Seeing the “bear bike” with its furry cargo made me wonder if Guinness lists a world record for number of teddy bears on a motorcycle.

Before the ride began, Master Sergeant Gary Todd of the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department gave a final briefing to the officers who would be providing escort service for the ride. He was kind enough to answer a few questions for me.

CC: I see that you are in charge of coordinating the escort officers.
Officer Todd: Yes, I’m the point man and will control officers along the route as we travel.

CC: How many officers are involved and what police departments are represented?
Officer Todd: Approximately 27 motor officers and about 10-15 cars will participate. That includes 2 motor officers at the Shawnee store. They are from K.C.K., Lenexa, Leawood, Prairie Village, Shawnee, Olathe, Overland Park, Mission, Johnson County, and the Kansas Highway Patrol.

CC: Is there special training for these officers?
Officer Todd: Yes, just a couple of weeks ago we had a training session at Kansas Speedway. All participating officers were invited to join in the training, so we’re all on the same page, working together with no accidents.

CC: What advance planning was required and who laid out the route?
Officer Todd: About six weeks ago we met with representatives from Central Harley who explained what they wanted to do. We checked with other departments to put together the team. We studied traffic flow and safety issues for officers as well as riders when laying out the route. Starting at two locations presented a new challenge, but when we finished we had a route that was satisfactory to everyone.

CC: How does the escort work?
Officer Todd: We start in wedge. Officers peel off and secure an intersection for the group we refer to as the “package” to pass. Once the package has passed, the officers get back to the front as soon as safely possible. This is not a large number of officers for so many participants, so it’s extremely important that they become available again as soon as they can.

CC: I see you have turned your jacket inside out, so you have the high-visibility green showing.
Officer Todd: The point man needs to be easily recognized in the working wedge so the officers coming back into the wedge know who to line up on.

CC: You guys always do a great job. Thanks for you assistance and for taking the time to talk with me.

As the group departed, I shot a few photos before mounting my bike and joining the line. After about 12 miles, we arrived at the intersection of Kansas Highway 7 and Shawnee Mission Parkway where the other half of the procession was waiting on the ramp to join at the end of ours for the remaining 15-mile trip to the Woodlands. I knew the rider in front of me had his radio tuned to the football game when he let go of the handlebars long enough to signal a Chiefs touchdown.

At the Woodlands, Marines and some enthusiastic young assistants were ready to load toys into a large truck. Participants then went inside to enjoy some great chili and watch some of the game. The Marines handed out certificates recognizing the participation of the following: Heart of America Chevy Owners, Corvette Club of Kansas City, Kansas City Corvette Association, Kansas City Porsche Club, Kansas City Miata Club, Visions M.C., Kobi’s Bar & Grill, A.B.A.T.E. of Kansas District 5, each of the law enforcement agencies involved in the escort, Central Midwest Chapter of H.O.G., and Central Harley-Davidson. Thanks to all of the sponsors and participants, many needy children will have special gifts this Christmas.

Story and photos by Stripe