Traffic unit marks century on 2 wheels

May 11, 2023

Norfolk's police department celebrated the 100th anniversary of its traffic unit Sept. 14, at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Ocean View. More than 165 former officers and guests attended the combination birthday party and reunion.

"Our faces, figures, addresses and families may have changed over time, but we’ll always remember the great times we shared," said Michael Borkowski, the committee chairman and former motorcycle officer.

"This afternoon is about remembering those moments and renewing old friendships – laughing and sharing stories of our time in traffic."

Amid the handshakes and hugs, the stories roared like the pipes on a Harley-Davidson.

"I loved it and couldn't believe the city put me on a motorcycle and paid me to ride," said Howard Kangas, a 33-year police veteran.

"We called it ‘riding the wheel’ and we rode with pride. All of us were proud to serve our community."

Former motorcycle officers Jim Root, Ray Dorman and Eddie Jenkins nodded in agreement.

"You’ve never seen such camaraderie," Root added. "We were family."

The police department's use of motorcycles dates back to 1910 when Chief Charles Kizer purchased two Indian motorcycles. These original motorcycles had solid rubber tires, bicycle-like rubber ball horns and carbon lamps for illumination at night.

In 1913, the chief added four more bikes and the traffic bureau was born. Today, the traffic unit is a part of the department's homeland security division.

Capt. David Huffman, commander of the homeland security division, called the former officers "the legends of the police department." His late brother, Claude C. Huffman, was a Norfolk motorcycle officer.

"You are the rock stars of the Norfolk Police Department," he added.

"Although I didn't serve with many of you, let me assure you – your names have lived on in the department. Thank you for your service."

Some of the legends included officers George Goff, 89, and James "Sparky" Sparkman, 84. Sparkman lifts weights three days each week and can still fit in his old uniform that is on display at the Norfolk Police Museum at 401 E. Freemason St.

Mayor Paul Fraim, whose mother served as a Norfolk school traffic guard, delivered a city proclamation.

"This is a terrific moment and I’m proud to be here," he said.

"It carries on the storied traditions that we cherish. Thank you for all you have done."

Police Chief Michael Goldsmith reinforced Fraim's words and, with a smile, promised to tell a few police stories of his own after the mayor departed.

Last year, when Borkowski realized the 100th anniversary was approaching, he took the lead in organizing the event. After scoping out the situation, he called for backup.

Nancy Goode, Norfolk's first female motorcycle officer and a 1978 Lake Taylor High School graduate, was the first to respond. Her motorcycle, a 1986 Harley-Davidson FLHP, is on display at the Norfolk Police Museum.

"I wanted to go to traffic and was working nights so I went to the school during the day," Goode said. "I was accepted warmly. I didn't have any issues from anyone."

As a member of the motorcycle unit, Goode served in the city's rolling honor guards for presidents George H. W. Bush and his son George W. Bush. When the aircraft carrier George H. W. Bush was commissioned in 2009, Goode was aboard one of the Norfolk Harbor Patrol boats providing security.

Borkowski, a 1974 graduate of Norfolk Catholic High School, pulled out all the stops for the celebration.

He ordered 100th anniversary brass challenge coins, traffic patches and commemorative shirts.

"Mike's been working on this every day since last December," Goode said. "He went above and beyond the call of duty, but that's just who he is."

Other committee members included Michael McKenna, Robert Arrington and Leslie Garrett. Borkowski's wife, Jean, also logged countless hours in planning the event.

As a thank you, special guests and committee members were surprised with hand-turned 11-inch day sticks made especially for the occasion by a local woodworker.

But when it came time to thank his wife, Borkowski passed on the wooden clubs and presented her with a bouquet of roses.

For more information on the Norfolk Police Museum, call 441-1526.

Gary Ruegsegger, [email protected]

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