Humans, zombies sought for exercise

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This June 7 Delaware will be overrun with zombies, but not the type that will actually bite. Zombies and humans will converge to create a horde of people to act out crowd based scenarios as part of a police training exercise.

“Zombies are a fun way to spin an important exercise. What better way to train police in crowd control than with zombies?” said, Officer Bob Hatcher, with the Delaware City Police.

This is the 27th conference for the International Police Mountain Bike Association. The conference rotates throughout the USA each year, and this year Delaware has won the bid to act as host home.

“About 250-300 bike patrolmen representing 34 states and Canada will be participating in this international event.” Hatcher said, “Integrating the zombie aspect not only makes it entertaining for the participants, but also for the police. It gives them a unique training experience.”

The 3-day class is a bicycle response team training. The class is meant to train police in crowd control due to a protest, football game, or event such as the Little Brown Jug.

“It’s vitally important to have volunteers for the afternoon exercise on June 7.”

Colleen Dennis, volunteer resource coordinator from Connections Volunteer Center, said, “We are in need of 75 volunteers and currently have less than five. This helps train public safety cyclists in areas that can help keep their communities safe. It is so important.”

The crowd will be comprised of humans and zombies alike. “Dressing up is enjoyable for some but not all. We don’t expect all of our volunteers to dress up. It’s optional for those that prefer to dress up.” Officer Hatcher said.

For more information on how to volunteer contact Colleen Dennis at 740-363-5000 or visit ConnectionsVolunteerCenter.org. Connections is a program of HelpLine. Volunteer services are partially funded by SourcePoint and United Way of Delaware County.

For information on the International Police Mountain Bike Association visit IPMBA.org.

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