“I’m from Toul, I haven’t moved too far,” announces, with a smile, the new boss of the bikers, Major Mathieu Schmitt, 46 years old. Stationed at the Lunéville company since 2009, the non-commissioned officer took up his duties on July 1 after having been deputy of the brigade.
The major was officially installed when he took command, which took place within the Lunéville gendarmerie this Tuesday morning. It was chaired by Captain Ludovic Morel, who heads the EDSR (departmental road safety squadron). Two members of the BMO received a letter of congratulations during this ceremony: Marshal Ronan and Constable Benjamin.
15 000 km per year
“Our workforce is 10 out of 12 people. We carry out road police missions such as speed control, mobility security: flow control, everything that gives rise to a lot of trafficking, whether human, narcotics, tobacco… We form one of the four units of EDSR 54.”
Each of the motorcycle gendarmes travels an average of 15,000 km per year in all conditions. They can provide escorts during official visits, supervise demonstrations “like those of farmers these days”, exceptional convoys, etc.
Become a motorcyclist
The major recalls the conditions for becoming a motorcyclist: “You must first be a non-commissioned officer after a stint in one of our schools. Then, you must then obtain “the military motorcycle license” and, finally, follow training on the Fontainebleau site. At the end, the new motorcyclist can join a BMO or a motorway peloton. »
To maintain this specialty, “we carry out recycling every six years also in Fontainebleau where we check our ability to use two wheels. You have to maintain yourself. I do a lot of sport.”
Once the outfit is on, the biker still remains on it but in a civilian version. He is also adept at music when time permits, mastering several instruments.
Related News :