(December 8, 2004) -- Three NLB cops (including a Sgt.) were among the first offficial riders on Knott's Berry Farm's new suspended roller-coaster, winning the coveted slots by entering a charity auction and bidding at their personal expense for the thrill. North Division LBPD Sergeant Tim Lancaster learned in November that Knott's was auctioning rides on the first two trains to the highest bidders -- with bids starting at $100 -- to benefit Buena Park's Speech and Language Development Center. He entered via the internet, bid a sum exceeding $100...and was among the winners.

Photo source: Knott's Berry Farm

When two other North Division cops -- LBPD Officer Tina Icorn and Officer Matthew Dougherty -- learned that Sgt. Lancaster had entered, they each made separate qualifying donations and received places on the inaugural trains too.

Photo source: A. Lancaster

On December 7, the NLB officers (shown, Sgt. Lancaster and Officer Icorn) boarded "Silver Bullet," a 3,125 foot roller-coaster resembling a ski-lift on steroids, suspended from tracks above while riders' feet dangle floorless below. The ride climbs 146 feet, then drops 109 feet into a 360 degree outside loop, followed by a spiral, corkscrew, roll and overbanked curves, sending riders upside down six times.

"It was a great ride, probably the smoothest roller-coaster I've ever been on, and very fast," said Sgt. Lancaster.

The officers' participation in the charity event was independent of LB City Hall and LBPD.