NJ Cops May18 | Page 58

Honor Roll Follow the Police Unity Tour on the road to the National Law Enforcement Offi cers Memorial and National Police Week 2018 ■ PHOTOS BY ED CARATTINI On May 9, law enforcement officers across New Jersey embarked on the 22nd annual Police Unity Tour in another united effort to honor fallen officers as part of National Police Week. Hundreds of NJ State PBA members gathered in Florham Park where Chapter 1 of the Unity Tour departed on the road to the National Law Enforce- ment Officers Memorial in Washington D.C. Police Unity Tour founder Patrick Montuore took the micro- phone at the Chapter 1 launch site to remind riders of their mission to “ride for those who died” and bring public awareness to officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. NJ State PBA Executive Vice President Marc Kovar and the PBA’s Special Services trailer were also on site to provide support for members as they departed. Since the start of the Police Unity Tour in 1997, the honor ride has grown into nine chapters from across the country. This year, 2,800 riders participated in the Unity Tour, raising $2.8 million for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. The funds raised through the Unity Tour also benefit the National Law Enforcement Museum scheduled to open this fall. The Chapter 1 riders formed a prominent blue line down Route 10. Montuore gave high fives to the riders as they rounded the first bend onto the roadway and families cheered in support from the sidewalk as their loved ones pedaled by. Detailed reports about the Unity Tour will be included in the June issue of NJ Cops Magazine. Don’t miss exclusive on-scene coverage of the Police Unity Tour arrival on May 12, as well as more hon- or-driven content from Police Week events, including the NAPO Top Cops Awards Banquet and the Candlelight Vigil.  58 NEW JERSEY COPS ■ MAY 2018