One bike enthusiast helps another

HUNTLEY – Random acts of kindness apply to two-wheeled vehicles in Huntley. Police Officer Joe Lanute was glad to be able to help when a fellow bicyclist was struggling against the weather. The end result, a refurbished bike, is being used by Mike Bruce these days with hopefully better weather conditions.

“He was walking his bike along Route 62,” Lanute said. “I offered to give him a ride home, but he declined since he was so close.”

Lanute told the Bruce he would work on helping with his bike situation and the bicyclist was grateful for that.

“It took a couple of days. The Lucky Brake in Crystal Lake, where I work when they need me, was great,” Lanute said.

So when the bike was ready, the hybrid bike was presented to Bruce by Lanute and officers on his shift during that storm. The shift members are Officers Massimilliano Eberle, James Hunt and Nick Orsolini.

Lanute’s quick actions to help a resident in a bad weather situation were honored on the department’s Facebook page and even gained some TV coverage.

“As a fellow avid cyclist, Officer Lanute knew he had to do something more for him. The bike was not just a recreational item for him, but it was the key to mobility and independence. Officer Lanute made sure the man made it home safely and then began reaching out to organizations that he has worked with to procure a bike. We are so proud of the kindness and compassion we see in our employees everyday. Thank you to Officer Lanute and all the others in the community, who go the extra mile to help others.”