A ride to remember

  • Published
  • By Ray Bowden
  • Academy Public Affairs
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. --  
Dozens of Air Force and civilian law enforcement officials hit the highway in Colorado Springs late last week for the 2014 National Police Week Motorcycle Run to pay tribute to U.S. law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.

The May 22 run took the riders through Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station, Peterson Air Force Base, Schriever AFB, Fort Carson, and to the terrazzo outside the Cadet Chapel where they paused for a moment of silence.

"The ride helps remind people of the sacrifices law enforcement officers have made, especially when you hear all the bikes and see such a large police presence," said Tech. Sgt. Troy Umstead of the 10th Security Forces Squadron.

Ten security forces Airmen have lost their lives since 2005, including 1st Lt. Joseph Helton, an Academy graduate killed in Iraq Sept. 8, 2009 by an improvised explosive device.

The Blue Knights, a law enforcement motorcycle club for civilians and service members, organized the event; the group was escorted through the city by the Colorado Springs Police Department.

"They did a great job of keeping us moving," Umstead said. "I never had to put my foot down for almost 100 miles."

In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and that calendar week as National Police Week. Established by Congress in 1962, National Police Week recognizes officers killed in the line of duty.

Law enforcement agencies across the country, including the 10th SFS, routinely schedule or take part in a variety of events during National Police week, including the motorcycle run.

Proceeds collected from the event's registration fee go to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, the country's official monument to law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.

The run was originally scheduled for May 15 but postponed because of rainfall.