posted April 10, 2008
) Sgt. Lee Robbs with David Lynskey |
The Tour is a fund-raising bike ride from Florham Park, N.J., to the National Police Memorial in Washington DC.
The Tour's main goal is to raise awareness of police officers who have died in the line of duty. It also is a fundraiser and supports the National Police Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Each rider is required to raise $1,250.00 and each support personnel must raise $650. In 2007, the Unity Tour raised a total of $1,115,000.
Sgt. Robbs said, "The 2008 ride, which takes place in May, will be my second time to ride in the Police Unity Tour. I was so impressed by the ride in 2007 that I have made a commitment to raise money and ride as long as I am able.
"The dedication displayed by the organization to the mission and tireless work necessary to bring this ride together is truly amazing. The logistics required to support a group of 400 plus riders (food, lodging, medical needs, bike repairs, traffic control) and all the support personnel is a huge undertaking. We experienced support all along the way from the local towns/communities we rode through. Several elementary schools greeted us with hand made signs of support and cheering as we rode past their school.
"The ride makes stops at the locations where Law Enforcement Officers have been killed along the way, the Unity Tour Chaplain had a word about how the Officer was killed and their career and family left behind. At the end of each day's ride we were greeted by the support personnel at our motel with our room cards. The support personnel always had our luggage in our rooms and we were already checked in.
"We crossed the Chesapeake Bay on a ferry and landed in Jamestown, and then had lunch on the campus of William and Mary College. We made a stop at the United States Marine Corps Museum just outside of Quantico, Virginia.
"The final day of the ride we met up with the New York/New Jersey Chapter at the pentagon and then rode in together to the National Police Memorial.
"We had approximately 1000 police officers riding in the final group from the Pentagon.
"I have done many rides over the years, but this ride is like no other. We had complete traffic control with up to 60 motorcycle officers blocking traffic for us throughout the 250 mile ride. The tour culminated at the National Police Memorial, which is just off the Mall near the Capital, where we were greeted by thousands of people who were waiting on our arrival. The crowds were so large we had to get off our bicycles and walk our bikes the last block into the open air memorial. A ceremony takes place where our total funds raised is announced and presented to the National Police Memorial. This ceremony begins the National Law Enforcement Week."
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