The fastest cops in the West

It wasn't the competition or the temperatures that worried the 38 motorcycle officers in Mills Park Saturday, it was the "Metro."

The "Metro" was the third of eight patterns on the course at the third annual Police and Sheriff Motor Officer Competition. Officers from 13 agencies in four states took part in the two-day training and competition in Mills Park.

Friday, officers trained in driving skills such as maneuvering and control as well as officer skills, including vehicle approach and pursuit. They also shared information and tips between departments.

Saturday, officers tested their skills in a timed event involving patterns to be navigated.

All of the proceeds from the event benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Western Nevada.

Competitors were given three runs to complete the patterns and were penalized for hitting cones, putting a foot down or falling off the motorcycles. There was also a team and slow-ride competition.

Riders were divided into two categories based on the brand of motorcycle ridden, either Harley-Davidson or BMW.

The event included officers from Utah, Idaho, several agencies in California, Las Vegas, and six officers from the Carson City Sheriff's Department.

The eight patterns, with names like "Snowman," "Nevada," "Code 3" and "Metro," were designed to test the skill and balance of the riders.

The "Metro" consisted of a figure eight during which riders had to pass within a confined space. The "Code 3" required the rider to make concentrically smaller circles before a sharp turn and a straightaway to the finish line.

Two-time Harley winner of the event, officer Jerry Pribyl with the Las Vegas Metro Police Department, said different parts of the course challenge the two styles of motorcycles.

"The 'Code 3' taxes the Harleys because it is so long that you have to watch your speed. You want to get through it so fast that it can end up hurting you," Pribyl said. "The 'Metro' is the tightest turn so that is more difficult for the BMWs."

Sgt. Scott McCartney with the Rancho Cordova Police Department was considered the favorite in the BMW division.

"The 'Metro' is just a quick, tight turn that the BMWs get too much speed and end up hitting the cones. It can be done, you just have to balance speed with control," McCartney said.

The event was coordinated by Kim Adams, Michelle Cullen and Lynette Putzer, all wives of Carson City Sheriff's Deputies.

In the end, Don Kouple of the Folsom Police Department posted the fastest time in the Harley division. Kyle Christensen of the Boise Police Department was the winner in the BMW division. Sgt. Mike Cullen of the Carson City Sheriff's Department won the open division and the Metro Turtleheads team from Las Vegas Metro took the team competition.

• Contact reporter Jarid Shipley at jshipley@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.