After a debate on safety Tuesday, Wareham Selectmen narrowly backed a police request to buy two new motorcycles as part of the town’s capital spending plan.

“I hold them in high regard, and I want them to be protected as best as possible,” said Selectman Patrick Tropeano. “I don’t think this does it for them.”

Tropeano was one of two “no” votes against the request, the other being Anthony Scarsciotti. Mary Bruce, Chair Alan Slavin and Peter Teitelbaum voted "yes."

In addition to the motorcycles, police officials are requesting that Town Meeting fund four new cruisers. The motorcycles and cruisers are listed in the town’s capital spending plan, a document that provides a schedule for major purchases.

The request will go before voters at the April 23 Town Meeting, set for 7 p.m. in Wareham High School auditorium.

In total, $97,816 will be used this year to purchase and equip the six vehicles. Town Administrator Derek Sullivan explained the plan is to lease then purchase the vehicles over the next three years. An identical amount would have to be approved the following two years to fund the purchase of the vehicles.

Selectmen noted that the department has had motorcycles in the past, resulting in damaged vehicles and injured officers. Slavin recalled one time a police motorcycle was badly damaged while parked near the start of a parade. The officer was not on the bike at the time and was uninjured.

However, Slavin said he was willing to let officers use motorcycles, with a caveat.

“I know they’ve taken the courses and they know the safety risk is higher than normal,” said Slavin. “I’m willing to take one more shot, but if anything happens, this will be the last time.”

Bruce weighed the needs of the department against safety issues in her remarks.

“I’m not a fan," she said. "But far be it for me to say what they need to run their department.”