KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- Each week, Grand Rapids Harley Davidson and West Michigan’s Most Wanted honors a member of law enforcement who has gone above and beyond the call of duty to help the community they serve.
This week, Kalamazoo Public Safety's Sgt. Danielle Guilds and CPO John Resseguie are being recognized for making a difference that allowed young Ayden Rackley a chance to ride his bike again.
A week ago, Ayden's bike was stolen from him. It was not the first time his bike was stolen, but the second.
"Sometimes I think he's targeted by kids in the neighborhood and kids at school," said Kim Rackley, Ayden's mother. "Ayden rides his bike all the time and it causes a lot of issues if he doesn't have a bike to ride."
The theft came at the worst time, as Kim's grandfather passed away the day before.
But then officers Danielle Guilds and John Resseguie, who, on behalf of Kalamazoo's Department of Public Safety, offered to buy Ayden a brand new bike.
Armed with a used gift card, a couple discounts, and even a little money of their own, Sgt. Guilds and CPO Resseguie drove Ayden to a Target to choose a new bike. In addition, they also picked out a lock for him to use.
Both officers said that they simply did what they felt was right.
"I didn`t want his perception of the city of Kalamazoo to be that you can`t have nice things because it`s going to get stolen," said Sgt. Guilds. "We're always looking for positive for police and citizen interactions and we thought this was a great opportunity to show we are human and that were trying to make a difference in our community."
Congratulations to Sgt. Guilds and CPO Resseguie on their nominations for the week of June 7.
