Jim Thorpe police getting an e

Pardon the Jim Thorpe Police Department if its mood has become a bit “electric.”

Joe Schatz, borough police chief, excitedly looked over what will be the police bike patrol’s first electric bicycle Tuesday morning out front of Colossal Radio in Palmerton.

Schatz said the vehicle will be a “great asset” to the department’s bike patrol.

“We have a lot of events that take place in the borough, and with a lot of traffic, the maneuverability of our vehicles gets tough,” Schatz said. “This ensures a quick response time, and it’s easier maneuverability for our bike police patrol.”

The e-bike will be donated to the Jim Thorpe Police Department by Bronson EBikes & Trikes Inc. in Weissport, and Colossal Radio in Palmerton.

Colossal Radio will hold its second annual Jeep Fest from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at The Hofford Mill in Weissport. The rain date is Sept. 10.

Layne Roberts said the proceeds raised from the event will go toward the Lehighton Fire Department, as well as veterans from the Valor Clinic.

Roberts said there will also be a 50/50 drawing on behalf of Colossal Radio and Bronson EBikes, which will benefit the Jim Thorpe Police Department and the Lehighton Fire Department.

Schatz said donations such as the e-bike go a long way to helping the department from having to dig deep into its budget.

Gary Huntington, owner of Bronson EBikes & Trikes, said they wanted to ensure the e-bike would go to a local police department.

“We knew Palmerton (Police Department) had gotten an e-bike, and so we thought about the other local communities,” Huntington said. “We wanted to see what we could do for the D & L Trail, which goes right through Jim Thorpe.”

Roberts, owner of Colossal Radio in Palmerton, said he’s elated by the prospect.

“Grateful for Bronson EBikes,” Roberts said. “It’s nice that we can work together.”

Roberts said more than 100 jeeps are expected as part of the event.

Tickets may be ordered through colossalradio.rocks. The deadline to purchase tickets is midnight Friday.

Last year’s event had 110 jeeps participate, and raised $2,600 to benefit veterans and volunteers.