CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) — Police officers from around the country and from Hampton Roads will ride over 250 miles to Washington D.C. in honor of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Law Enforcement United’s Road to Hope Memorial Bike Ride officially kicked off Friday morning. An emotional opening ceremony before riders hit the road, as a moment of silence was held for the fallen.
Seventeen officers with the Norfolk Police Department will take part in this year’s ride. Each person participating will wear a wrist band with the name of a fallen officer.
Different police departments along the way will provide escorts and rest stops.
Gallery: The 2019 Road to Hope Memorial Bike Ride
Sgt. Chris Barnes has been doing the ride for 7 years. He says this year he has a special connection with the fallen officer’s family he’s riding for this time.
“His name is David Romrell … his wife actually called me and reached out to me, which is the first time this has happened,” Barnes said.
This month also marks five years since the anniversary of the last Norfolk police officer to die in the line of duty, Officer Brian Jones.
Officer Sandra Coleman says they will ride with a message.
“To remember those who have fallen, to let their loved ones know they’re not forgotten,” Coleman said.
Meanwhile, this is the first year for Lt. Renato Aponte. “I’m riding for every officer killed in the line of duty in my 19 years here,” he said.
Four-hundred other bicyle riders from around the country will meet the Norfolk offices in DC Monday to kick off National Police Week.
Officer Tommie Booth with the Apple Valley Police Department in Minnesota spent eight days traveling to Chespeake, along with 50 other officers who are passionate about the ride.
“In 2012, I was involved in my last officer-involved shooting. My daughter was 7 at the time. I wondered who would take care of her,” Booth said. “That’s what got me involved in this… we’re here to honor those who didn’t survive.”
