On May 9, 2011, myself and several other Medford Township Police Officers will be participating in the 2011 Police Unity Tour. The Police Unity Tour was started in 1997 to honor law enforcement officers who have fallen in the line of duty and create public awareness of the sacrifices they, their families, their department and their community made. Only 18 riders participated in that initial ride and raised $18,000 for this cause. Currently over 2000 officers participate in the ride annually and over $8.5 million has been raised since 1997. The four day, 320 mile, road cycle ride starts in northern New Jersey and ends at the Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington D.C. where 18,983 officers names have been engraved after making the ultimate sacrifice.

In 2010, 163 officers were killed in the line of duty, with the highest cause being gunfire. As of February 9, 2011, 19 officers have been killed in the line of duty, once again with the highest cause being gunfire. Unfortunately, these numbers are increasing every year.

This is my second year involved in this event and after last years experience, I expect to ride with the Tour every year for the rest of my career. Please visit the Police Unity Tour web site to learn more about the ride and the events during National Police Week in Washington D.C., including the candlelight vigil. Please visit the National Law Enforcement Memorial web site to learn more about the officers who have fallen in the line of duty. Every name has a story.

This year, I am riding in honor of Officer Craig Story, of the Arlington Texas Police Department. On January 13, 2010, Officer Story was responding to a call on his department issued motorcycle. As he entered an intersection, while utilizing his lights and siren, a bus cut him off. He was unable to avoid the bus and the impact was fatal. Officer Story is survived by his wife and two sons, one of which was born after his death.

Please consider donating through my site for the Police Unity Tour and National Law Enforcement Memorial. Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts.

Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too. If you are in the Washington D.C. area during the week of May 9th, please consider visiting the National Police Week, especially the candlelight vigil. It is an amazing experience.

Cpl. Justin Chase #2566
Medford Township Police Department
"We ride for those that died." - Police Unity Tour Slogan