Police Will Bike to Raise Funds for Fallen Officers

For the tenth straight year, members of the Enfield Police Department will be using pedal power to aid the families of fallen brother officers.

Sgt. John Carney, Sgt. Marianne Christensen, Det. Brian Callaghan and Officer Chris Dufresne will be participating in the annual Police Unity Tour, a bicycle ride from New Jersey to Washington, D.C.

Police departments from across the United States take part in this event, which began in 1997 and raises money to assist the families of officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. Some of the money is also used to support the National Law Enforcement Officer's Memorial and Museum in Washington.

Callaghan will be riding for the fourth time; Carney and Dufresne are making their third trek, while Christensen will be experiencing the thrill of the 300+ mile journey for the first time. Officer Rob Lang of is also riding this year.

The quartet will leave New Jersey on May 9, and arrive in Washington three days later for the start of Police Week. Most states are represented, as well as foreign countries including Australia and Brazil.

"Each year, they remember the officers from the year prior, but it is also for all officers who have ever been killed," Dufresne said. "In the line of work we do every day, we always face that scenario where you may not go home at the end of your shift. I have the utmost respect for the people and the families that have dealt with somebody that was killed in the line of duty, so riding 300 miles at this point is no big deal compared to what these families have gone through. To see the money raised go to that, it's close to home."

"I'm so glad to be able to raise money for the fallen officers," Christensen said. "I think doing the ride and meeting officers along the way will be very inspirational, based on what the others have said."

Callaghan said, "For me, it's good to remember the families of the police officers who have died and the sacrifices they have given. It kind of reminds you of the fact that they've laid down their lives to protect other people. It's a good reminder so when you come back to work, you can re-dedicate yourself. Also, when you get there, the memorial is beautifully done and it is inspirational. You get to see the carvings of all the officers who have died. Their families and children leave things there for them - little teddy bears with notes to their parents who have passed away in the line of duty. It's very inspirational."

"We've all been to police funerals, where the fallen officer is remembered for a few days." Carney said. "This gives an opportunity for officers around the country to remember their lives, remember their sacrifices. It's felt through the 1,400-some odd officers who are there throughout the entire tour. It's really impressive to see the families and the emotions of what we do for them, and how much they appreciate their family members are not forgotten. That is what the whole tour started for, and it's going strong all these years forward."

In order to participate, each officer must raise a minimum of $1,750. To help raise funds, a benefit is being held Saturday, March 31 at the on Route 75 in Windsor Locks. Tickets are $20 and may be purchased at the door, or reserved by contacting any of the Enfield officers at 860-763-6400.

Checks payable to the Police Unity Tour may be sent to the Enfield Police Department, c/o Officer Chris Dufresne (Police Unity Tour), 293 Elm St., Enfield, CT 06082.