When a veteran Cincinnati motorcycle officer takes off his uniform for good next week, G.I. Joe will still be wearing one just like it.

Officer Rick Krummen shows the newest G.I. Joe, for which he was the prototype, to family friend Joe Hageman of Price Hill. (Glenn Hartong photo) | ZOOM |

        Officer Rick Krummen leaves the police force Monday after more than 31 years, but not before being the model for Hasbro's newest version of the popular toy, which it styles as “a salute to these daring men in blue.”

        Hasbro calls it the “G.I. Joe Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Police Bike and Figure.” It became available in some areas in late September.

        The 49-year-old cop had to shop all around the city to find the miniature version of himself and his white Harley-Davidson — for $79 at Kmart. He gave one to his 77-year-old mother.

        “I think it's kinda neat,” Officer Krummen said. “Now she has a G.I. Joe of her son.”

        Officer Krummen's modeling career started two years ago when a man from Kenner toys called to ask if he could take the officer's picture. Officer Krummen didn't think much more about it — until the box arrived at District 1.

        Inside: G.I. Joe in exactly the kind of white shirt and high black boots Officer Krummen wears. The toy Harley is painted just like a Cincinnati police cycle, complete with the city's river-and-crown insignia and Officer Krummen's bike number on the front fender — 72491. The only difference: the bike is labeled Metropolitan Police.

        Officer Krummen claims to be much better-looking, though huskier, than his miniature copy.

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