NJ Cops June2018 | Page 35

Police Unit y Tour Enjoy the Ride “We, the Police Unity Tour, have the best broth- erhood.” As Pat Montoure, founder of the Police Unity Tour, made such a proclamation, the thou- sands gathered at the National Law Enforce- ment Officers Memorial (NLEOM) cheered. The cheers seemed to echo for hours, from the time the 22nd running of the Uni- ty Tour arrived at the Memorial to a crescendo when Montoure and Executive Director Harry Phillips presented the annual do- nation to support the NLEOM. Although it was 90 degrees on this beautiful May afternoon, most of the officers barely had the energy to speak after the ar- duous ride. But that did not prevent them from standing arm- in-arm with smiles on their faces. They had just arrived to a greeting of thousands of law enforcement family members and fans who let them know just how much they are appreciated. “When we get here, you get this overwhelming feeling,” not- ed Wildwood Local 59 member Bill Barkas, who made his third Tour this year. “You see this amazing turnout, and this is what it’s all for.” Through all their pain and fatigue, the participants listened attentively as Craig Floyd, the CEO of the National Law Enforce- ment Memorial reminded them what it’s all for, what they have accomplished in riding for those who died the past 22 years. Nearly 25,000 riders have made the trip from New Jersey and surrounding states to Washington D.C. and raised nearly $25 million. The money raised by the Unity Tour has gone to support the Officer of the Month program, the restoration of the walls at the National Law Enforce- ment Officers Memorial and the future installation of the electronic directo- ries at the memorial. But most importantly, the funds are going to fa- cilitate the construction of the National Law Enforce- ment Museum, which will open its doors on October 11. As Floyd announced the opening date, members of the audience cheered for all of Washington D.C. to hear. The ceremony then culminated with two check presenta- tions. The first came from the NJ State PBA. This year, Ewing Township Local 111 State Delegate Mike Pellegrino represented the PBA with the $25,000 check presentation. He finished his 15th consecutive Tour this year and rode with nearly 50 mem- bers from Mercer County, presumably the largest contingent from any county in New Jersey. “I’m so honored that (President) Pat Colligan and (Executive Vice President) Marc Kovar gave me this responsibility,” Pel- legrino said. “Year after year, because of my passion for the men and women in blue who gave everything, I keep riding because it is very important to me to never forget.” And then it was time to reveal the grand total raised this year. As Montuore raised the big check for $2.8 million, Phillips de- clared, “You are the greatest organization of police officers in the world, without a doubt. 10 pages of Unity Tour coverage begins on page 36 www.njcopsmagazine.com ■ JUNE 2018 35