For Immediate Release
| PR #: | 1500046 |
| Date Issued: | Apr 20, 2015 - 6:25am |
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Sheriff's Deputies to Participate in 2015 Police Unity Tour |
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| CONTACT: | Bob Harmon Washoe County Sheriff's Office Office 775-785-6235 Cell 775-722-5517 |
Four Washoe County Sheriff's Deputies will join more than 3,000 of their law enforcement colleagues on May 9th to kick off the 2015 Police Unity Bike Tour, which will culminate in Washington with a vigil to honor officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
The caravan of officers on bicycles, many wearing wristbands bearing the names of fallen officers, will begin their journey in East Hanover New Jersey and will complete the ride at the World Trade Center site. The tour will culminate with a national vigil at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington on Tuesday, May 12th, to honor fallen officers. The vigil is held each year as part of Police Week activities.
Each Deputy is required to raise a minimum of $1850 for the Police Unity Tour in order to qualify to attend. Sheriff Allen commended the four staff: Sgt. Marc Bello, Deputy Corey Solferino, Deputy Josh Iveson, and Deputy Jason Grulli for their devotion to the event; many of whom have participated since 2005 when they rode in honor of Washoe County Sheriff's Deputy John Wiberg II. "I am proud of the professional and personal commitment our Deputies have made to raise awareness and financial support on behalf the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for their communities."
The Police Unity Tour Incorporated was formed in 1997 by a group of law enforcement officers from New Jersey who rode their bicycles from New Jersey to Washington, D.C. Since then, law enforcement officers nationwide have ridden the 300 plus mile trip, with the purpose of raising awareness and financial support for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. The Police Unity Tour has grown from 18 members to over 1200 nationwide who make the annual trip.
Over 8 million dollars has been donated to the Memorial, making the making the Police Unity Tour the single largest supporter of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. The funds also pay costs related to the inscription and maintenance of fallen officer's names on the memorial's marble wall. The names of 127 officers killed in the line of duty around the country last year have already been inscribed. Additionally, the funds are used to create the National Law Enforcement Museum's Hall of Remembrance.
The public is invited to a fundraiser supporting the Police Unity Tour on April 21st from 5:30-6:30pm at Camie Cragg Fitness. For more information call 775-825-2231.
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to preserving a safe and secure community with professionalism, respect, integrity and the highest commitment to equality. Sheriff Darin Balaam is the 27th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County since the Office was created in 1861. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office strives to ensure public safety by building trust and creating partnerships within the diverse communities in which we serve. We will promote the dignity of all people supported by our words and actions through open communication while fostering an environment of professionalism, integrity and mutual respect.