In 1997, 18 Police Officers rode their bikes 300 miles beginning in Florham Park NJ and finishing in Judicial Square Washington DC. These officers made this trip to raise awareness and support for police officers that were killed in the line of duty and the loved ones that survived them. Twelve years later in 2009, there were over 1100 police officers that made that same 300-mile journey to support this worthy cause. Twenty of the 1100 officers were local Rhode Island police officers. This year, twenty five Rhode Island police officers are raising money and training for the 2010 charity police unity bike tour to Washington DC.

The contributions you make to the Police Unity Tour are used for the upkeep and maintenance of the National Law Enforcement Officer's Memorial (NLEOM). Every May 15th is National Law Enforcement Officer's Memorial Day. "Police Week" is the week surrounding May 15th. During police week, the families and survivors of police officers killed in the line of duty gather in Washington DC to pay tribute to their fallen hero as the officer's name is inscribed on the wall of the NLEOM. This monument is the only national memorial that actively adds the names of fallen American heroes every year. While the families are in DC, they are lodged in hotels and are given the opportunity to take part in group counseling sessions. In these sessions, spouses meet spouses, parents meet parents and siblings meet other siblings - all sharing the unique experience of losing a loved one who made the supreme sacrifice while protecting and serving the communities we live in.

The members of the Rhode Island Contingent of the Police Unity Tour are dedicated to this great cause. We work very hard to raise awareness and educate the public about the supreme sacrifices made by our local heroes. Each officer and support member participating in the Police Unity Tour makes a pledge to raise a minimum of $1,700.00 in donations. Raising funds to maintain the NLEOM and to support the construction of the National Police Museum is our way of making sure that there is a place for the families to remember and honor their fallen.

Please take a moment and look at the pictures we have posted from previous tours and our fundraising events. We have also posted announcements including upcoming fundraisers and events. Should you feel compelled, click on our donation page where you can find several ways to make a donation on behalf of a specific Police Unity Tour rider or support member or on behalf of the entire contingent.

Thank you for taking the time to browse our website.

 

Ryan G. Duffy
Rhode Island Contingent Coordinator