As anyone who can read must know, it seems not a day goes by where we don't learn that another police officer (or more) has been killed in the line of duty. The numbers are staggering. From TexasFred comes a request to help an officer who is riding in this year's Police Unity Tour:
Dear Friend of Law Enforcement
January 15th, 2010 by TexasFredLadies and Gentlemen, I want to introduce you to a friend of mine, Barry Morris. Barry is a Texas DPS Trooper, a member of The Thin Blue Line and a really great guy. Below is Barry’s story and a request. If you can help him in this noble deed, please do!
Dear Friend of Law Enforcement
On the 9th day of May 2010, I will again have the pleasure of participating in the Police Unity Tour.
The Police Unity Tour is a bicycle ride comprised of hundreds of law enforcement officers from across the US and Puerto Rico. We ride from just outside of New York City to Washington D.C. The Tour acts as the kick-off for National Police Week, celebrated each May in D.C. I will be riding alongside several Texas State Troopers, who plan to make the 320+ mile bike ride in honor of all the fallen officers of the past year. This will be my 4th year on the Tour and I am very much looking forward to the ride. My wife, Gene Ann, will be participating (for the 2nd year) in the Tour as one of the many support personnel necessary to complete the Tour.
Texas DPS did NOT lose an officer to a “line of duty death” this (past) year (2009)!!! I hope and pray we continue this trend for years into the future. Since we did not lose an officer last year I will be riding in memory of Patrick Randel, the only DPS Narcotics officer to be killed in the line of duty. I have been a DPS Narcotics Officer for 15 years. In 2003 I was making an undercover purchase of crack cocaine from a dope dealer.
Unknown to me he had a gun and attempted to rob and shoot me. It was only by the grace of God that I was able to react in an appropriate manner and live through that confrontation. Knowing firsthand how dangerous an under cover officer’s job can be I have chosen to ride for Investigator Randel, who was shot and killed while attempting to make an undercover purchase of Amphetamine from 2 scumbags on 10/23/1974. I have known one of Patrick’s daughters for most of my 15 year career in the Narcotics service and will be honored to ride in his memory; each pedal stroke serves as a reminder that life is precious and should never be taken for granted.
Each rider/support member is required to raise the necessary funds for sponsorship as a requirement for participation in the Tour. The Tour’s primary goal is to raise funds for The National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial in Washington D.C. which is scheduled to open in 2011. As a participating officer, I am required to raise a minimum of $1,700.00 as an entry fee. In addition, my wife is also required to raise $1,700.00 for her participation in this year’s Tour. Any additional funds raised will also help cover personal travel expenses incurred to and from the ride.
The primary purpose for the Police Unity Tour, as stated on their website, Police Unity Tour® – We Ride for Those Who Died is “To raise awareness of the Police Officers who have died in the line of duty.”
The second purpose is to raise funds for the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial and Museum...
Our police officers put their lives on the line for us every single day. Please go over to TexasFred's site here, and do what you can to help this fine officer.
Thank you.