(La Porte County, IN) - A group of bike riders paid their annual visit to La Porte County on Tuesday to pay tribute to fallen law enforcement officers.
Cops Cycling for Survivors has been circling the state since July 10th. Five officers who died in the line of duty last year are pictured on the box truck that accompanies them along the route. The truck is driven by former La Porte County police officer Mike Kellems. Along with the signatures of well-wishers, the names of other fallen officers going back 100 years are displayed.
But in Indiana three more officers and a police K-9 have fallen just in the last month, giving this year’s ride an even more serious tone. Justin Reeder is a Porter County police officer and board member of Cops Cycling for Survivors. “It doesn’t matter if they passed away two weeks ago, or if they passed a hundred years ago. We’re still riding for those officers,” he said during a break in the ride.
“[This year] it’s been a lot more emotional, physically and mentally. You can see it in the rider’s faces. But we just keep pedaling on, because that’s our mission.”
Reeder said they started the ride the day of the burial of Sergeant Heather Glenn of Tell City, who was shot and killed while trying to arrest a domestic violence suspect. Riders encountered her parents just a few days later.
“They met with us in Jasper, Indiana,” said Reeder, “and you could see how fresh it was. It was one of the most emotional things I’ve ever experienced on this ride.”
According to Reeder, 47 officers have signed up to participate at various stages of the ride. He said Tuesday’s trek through La Porte drew the most riders so far. Unlike last year, the weather has cooperated. It has rained only one day.
Among the many cyclists was local police officer Dylan Travis of the Michigan City Police Department. “It’s a great experience. I really appreciate the opportunity to be able to do this,” he said. “It’s a great cause, just happy to be able to do it.” Travis said his supervisor encouraged him to participate, knowing that he’s an avid cyclist. This year, Travis rode for just one day, but hopes to go longer in future rides.
On their way to South Bend, the cyclists stopped in New Carlisle at the grave of Neil Thompson, a La Porte County patrolman who died during a car chase in 1980. Thompson’s sister and brother-in-law came up from Indianapolis for a short graveside service.
During the stop, Kevin Getz, a State Police Sergeant from Bloomington, spoke to HTNN. “The reason for the portraits on the side of the truck is to let all Hoosiers know that these officers died in the line of duty,” he said. Then, before heading back on the road, riders gathered around a local police widow whose husband and his K-9 partner died in the line of duty thirteen years ago. They shared a moment of prayer and reflection.
“There’s been a lot of love,” said Getz about such encounters, “a lot of fellowship, a lot of remembering, which is what our motto is: “’Ride to Remember.’”
Getz said when one of their own is killed, officers traditionally wear a black band on their badges until the day of their burial.
“In Indiana we have been continuously mourning since June 28th. There has been no reprieve, no opportunity to remove that band.”
This year’s ride will wrap up on July 22nd in Elwood. As long as there are officers making the ultimate sacrifice, Cops Cycling for Survivors will continue to keep their memories alive.
