Super Bowl Champs, Baltimore Ravens, give gift of gratitude to New Orleans Police; nice story

Posted: Wednesday, 06 March 2013 1:50PM

Ravens thank New Orleans with big donation

Jay Vise Reporting

The World Champion Baltimore Ravens made a special gift today to thank City of New Orleans for its "hospitality, friendliness and service during the week of Super Bowl XLVII," according to a team spokesman.

To show the team’s gratitude, Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti purchased and donated two 2013 Harley Davidson FLHP motorcycles to the New Orleans Police Department Traffic Division.

The team spokesman says throughout the team’s week-long stay in New Orleans, the Ravens received police escorts to and from their destinations, 24-hour security, and "outstanding community support."

"We wanted to do something to show our appreciation for how well our team, our families and our fans were treated by everyone representing New Orleans," Bisciotti said. "Every place we went, the good people of New Orleans treated us with kindness and tremendous service, across the board. It started in our team hotel, continued with the police and included many in the hospitality industry. The people of New Orleans were great."

In a press conference held this morning at the New Orleans Police Department Special Operations Division, Ravens WR Jacoby Jones, a New Orleans native, presented the gift on behalf of the organization.

New Orleans mayor Mitch Landrieu and police Superintendent Ronal Serpas were on hand at the news conference this morning at the NOPD Special Operations Division to receive the gifts from Ravens' wide receiver Jacoby Jones.

"I always talk to my teammates about southern hospitality, and the fact that it was on display enough during our Super Bowl week to have the Ravens donate something to the great people of New Orleans is special," Jones said. "Winning the World Championship in my home town and then being able to do something to help the people who protect it is a great feeling."

Landrieu and Serpas thanked the Ravens for the gift.

"These two motorcycles will be a great addition to our fleet and will be a great reminder of the spectacular work done by NOPD during Super Bowl XLVII," Landrieu said.

"Our officers who assisted the Ravens last month truly enjoyed being of service to this team and this organization," said Superintendent Serpas. "It was an exciting opportunity, and this department was honored to be a part of it. These motorcycles are custom-made for the NOPD and are a lasting gift, as they’ll help in our efforts to keep the people of New Orleans safe for many years to come. We can’t thank the Ravens organization enough for their generosity."