“ Joe started the ride, and I needed to finish it,” Valdes told the Daily Record of Morristown.“ I expected to stay in the back but they had me ride in the front. It was very emotional.”
Another of those explorers Franklin inspired is Mount Olive officer Eric Anthony, who was peddling alongside Franklin just minutes before his fatal crash. Anthony followed Franklin’ s path as a crash investigator, traffic officer, Academy driving instructor all the way to the Police Unity Tour.
“ I never met a more genuine, selfless, giving person with the passion for law enforcement like Joe,” Anthony told the Daily Record.“ I am so thankful that I was able to peddle next to him doing what his passion was, helping others no matter what the cause. He was always there for anyone in need.”
Phillips revealed that the Unity Tour is already thinking about a way to create an ongoing tribute to Franklin. One of the ideas he has shared is putting Joe’ s badge number on the lead vehicle for the Unity Tour. He knows what that will mean to all officers who ride for those who died, and this one who gave his life riding for those who died.
“ As a Tour member, Joe was an example of what we want everybody to be: You come here, you follow the rules, you honor your brothers,” Phillips described.“ That’ s pretty much how he lived his life.” d
Edmond P. Brady, CPA – Partner ebrady @ odpkf. com
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