Get in line
Camera-ready
The pack of Unity Tour riders stretched for miles, even lon-
ger than last year. Monroe Township Local 255 contributed to
that line growing to nearly 2,500 who made the arrival at the
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial stretch for nearly
an hour.
Three years ago, Local 255 made its first Tour run with five
members in tow. In 2016, the pack grew to nine, and this year
the Monroe Township team increased to 12 riders. State Dele-
gate Wes Panckeri has been there each year to build the team
with a simple message.
“The fact that we go back and tell them how important it is
to become aware of respecting fallen officers is the reason why
everybody keeps riding,” Panckeri explained. “You never want
to let the memory of the fallen officers be lost.”
The Local 255 team has brought a we-leave-no-rider-behind
intensity to the Tour. That approach came in handy to endure
the driving rain and cold and windy conditions that enveloped
the second day of the ride.
“It was terrible,” Panckeri confessed. “My feet were numb.
My hands were numb. But none of us stopped the entire time.
The Tour is bigger than us.”
To keep the line moving and growing, Panckeri offers this ad-
vice to any Locals looking to get in gear:
“I think just the fact to bring more guys on and make them
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NEW JERSEY COPS
■ JUNE 2017
see what it’s all about, you start to learn a little bit about the
ride and how important it really is,” he stated. “I am going to
let the other guys talk for it. I’ve explained what it meant, that
we had a great time riding and the three days of torture are so
worth it.” d