Speedy Gets His Bike
A Livermore officer helps keep one boy's dream alive by replacing a stolen motocross bike.
When Livermore Police Officer Rich Hill responded to a report of a burglary in Springtown in January, he knew taking a police report wouldn't be enough.
Not after seeing a boy trying to cope with the loss of his motocross bike.
"You can just see the look on his face," Hill said of the boy, known as Speedy. "He was devastated."
Speedy, born Justin Johnson, has been riding dirt bikes since age 3. He's now 6.
The young rider was gearing up for his first race after his mom, Jill, and dad, Ed, recently granted permission.
"We were upset and disappointed over being burglarized," Jill said. "But it was also disappointing to see (Speedy's) dream of doing something is now gone. He had been asking to race for a couple years."
Jill and Ed planned on getting Speedy a replacement bike, but they had no idea it would arrive so fast.
Enter Officer Hill.
Maybe it was because he too rides motocross. Or maybe it was seeing the devastated look on Speedy's face.
Whatever the case may be, one things for certain: Hill pulled his resources together to get Speedy a new bike.
"I have a good group of friends and we ride all the time," Hill said. "Everyone was all for it and in 24 hours we were able to raise enough to purchase a replacement bike."
Hill is a member of the Bay Area chapter of the Over the Hill Gang motocross group. Donations were made from officers and members of the Over the Hill Gang's Bay Area and Sierra chapters.
A member of the club had a bike for sale similar to the one stolen from Speedy. He decided to sell it at a cheaper price as part of his contribution.
Hill then took the bike to his friend Chris Conley, who owns the the Rub It Graphics shop in town.
Conley donated a set of graphics to model the bike after one used by Speedy's favorite pro rider, Chad Reed.
Shane Bernal, who owns Bernal Racing in town, gave the bike a tune up and made sure it was safe and ready to go.
On Feb. 12 Hill invited Speedy and his family to the tracks of Club Moto Motocross to present the bike to Speedy.
The owners of Club Moto also donated a free session for Speedy to test out his bike.
"It was a group effort," Hill said. "People know how devastated a kid can be, especially after having something they are really passionate about taken away from them. I just did what I thought needed to be done."
And it's a gesture the Johnsons won't forget.
"For them to take a completely horrible situation and completely turn it around is incredible," Jill said. "Officer Hill went way over and beyond anything we expected, and we're very appreciative."
As for Speedy?
He's expected to compete in his first race in March.
david
6:39 am on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Officer Hill and his friends did a wonderful thing and should walk a bit higher for their selfless efforts. Hill is another example of the great people that work for the police department.
KL
7:25 am on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Finally some good news from the LPD. Kudos Officer Hill!
CitizenVolunteer
7:27 am on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Well done Officer Hill! Maybe this will help some of the critics realize our police department is filled with caring and respectful individuals.
Ken Rovasio
8:05 am on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Well said CitizenVolunteer! I am so tired of everyone talking crap about the LPD & LPFD. This is a fantastic story and hope to hear more like this.
Varina Michaelis
8:05 am on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
I knew our PD was an excellent group. Now I have more proof. Great job! We should have more stories like this. Happy ones. How about one a day if you can.
annon
8:35 am on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
If you all only knew the type of people that work for LPD...you wouldn't be surprised by what Officer Hill did. They are a great group of men and women who truly care about Livermore and it's residents. Great job Officer Hill.
Tlo
9:00 am on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
That's wonderful to hear news like that. Job well done.. Kudos to officer Hill
Chaplain Mike Veneman
9:30 am on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Above and beyond the call of duty. Well done, Officer Hill
KitKat
9:39 am on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
This story warms my heart. Nice work Officer Hill and friends!
Cin
10:09 am on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Awesome story....Kristofer can you update us in March after Speedy's first race?
Kristofer Noceda
10:58 am on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Sure. I'll reach out to his parents to see if they can provide an update for us.
Michelle Bernal
10:20 am on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Way to go little brother and friends! Proud of you :)
Ed Johnson
10:19 pm on Friday, February 24, 2012
Shane Bernal is theeeee-man also! Thank you, Officer Hill and many more for their warm hearts. Speedy will be in his first race at Club Moto on March 11th!