ORLANDO --
For almost two decades, it's been a coastal trek for many law enforcement personnel across the state.
The Florida Tour de Force bike ride provides financial support to the families of Florida officers lost in the line of duty.The 270-mile journey, which kicked off earlier in the week in North Miami Beach, wraps up Friday with the fifth stage, spanning Titusville to Daytona Beach Shores.
On Friday's final leg, 20 officers from the Orange County Sheriff's Office are set to join the Tour de Force, honoring two of their recently fallen brothers — Orange County Deputy Scott Pine and Windermere police Officer Robbie German — who were both killed in separate shootings in 2014.
Many in Central Florida also still recall the shooting death of Brevard County Deputy Barbara Pill, the 30-year veteran shot by Brandon Bradley in 2012. Bradley was sentenced to death in 2014.
"We're trying to grow awareness that officers are getting killed in the line of duty," said Detective Craig Catlin, president of the Florida Tour de Force. "Right now, especially these days, it seems like it's anti-law enforcement out there. We are still doing our job. We are the protectors."
Organizers said the support they have received along the way has been amazing, with communities rallying at each stop they make and helping out with the fundraiser. Every dollar raised goes directly to the families of fallen officers in Florida.
"We are raising money for those families that lost their spouse, father, mother, son or daughter," Catlin added.
Now in its 18th year, the Florida Tour de Force is a ride that started when a state trooper was killed. Last year, 800 law enforcement personnel participated in the race, and more than 30 riders completed the entire,
No comments:
Post a Comment