(UNDATED) – Saturday, September 5, 2020, marks the state of the 19th Annual Cops Cycling for Survivors bicycle ride to honor Indiana’s fallen law enforcement heroes.
This year’s ride is in memory of all fallen heroes, especially honors Chief David Hewitt, of Rising Sun Police Department who gave the ultimate sacrifice on February 12, 2019 and Trooper Peter “Bo” Stephan, who gave the ultimate sacrifice on October 11, 2019.
The Cops Cycling for Survivors Foundation, Inc. annual bike ride consists of active and retired police officers, law enforcement survivors, law enforcement family members and friends of law enforcement riding their bicycles to raise funds and awareness of the sacrifices made by Hoosier law enforcement families. Funds raised from this event are used to perpetuate the memories of offices killed in the line-of-duty and to aid surviving family members and co-workers of officers killed in the line-of-duty. Previously raised funds have been directly donated to foundations, scholarships and camps started in memory of fallen officers or by Indiana survivors in honor of their fallen heroes. In addition, Project Blue Light at the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy has been supported.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, this year’s ride is significantly different than past years when cyclists rode nearly 1,000 miles over a 13-day period. On September 5, Cops Cycling for Survivors will host a public bike ride at the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in Plainfield, IN. The opening ceremony with guest speaker Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter will begin at 8:30 a.m. and riders will begin pedaling on the Emergency Vehicle Operations track immediately following.
The general public is invited to attend the opening ceremony and to bike with the group any time between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on September 5. The event is open to riders of all ages and abilities. Riders may ride at their own speed for as long as they desire, taking breaks as needed. Food trucks will be available on-site and hydration will be supplied. Survivors of Indiana’s fallen heroes will be in attendance and all survivors are encouraged to attend. For more information, registration forms or to make a donation, go to https://www.copscycling4survivors.org/.
In addition to the September 5 ride at the Law Enforcement Academy, Cops Cycling for Survivors will conduct a stationary ride in honor of Chief David Hewitt on Monday, September 14 at the Rising Sun Police Department. A stationary ride in honor of Trooper Peter “Bo” Stephan is scheduled for Friday, September 18 at the Indiana State Police Lafayette Post.
For more information about the organization, donations made, or this year’s ride, visit their website: https://www.copscycling4survivors.org/ or contact Monica Zahasky, President of Cops Cycling for Survivors Foundation, Inc. at 812-727-0725.
