Cops Cycling for Survivors Foundation marks fifteenth annual ride across Indiana

Members of Indiana law enforcement are currently cycling their way across the state in honor of those who have lost their lives in the line of duty and the survivors who have been left behind. 

”The focus of this ride is to one, remember the officers killed in the line of duty and two to remember the survivors that have been left behind,” said Rich Crawford, President of Cops Cycling for Survivors Foundation.

The ride lasts for thirteen days, spreading across Indiana with active and retired police officers participating.

They raise awareness of the sacrifices made by law enforcement in the Hoosier state. And as the years have passed, more communities have shown support.

They’re also sending support to other communities, like those affected by the events that recently unfolded in Berrien county and Dallas.

“We’re thinking about them we’re thinking about those families that have to go through this tragedy and have to bury their officer and all the sorrow and the healing that needs to take place there,” Rich said.

It started with only a few cyclists, but the number grows every year.  And a lot of the same faces come back, too.

Jim Rutkowski from the St. Joseph County Police Department is participating in the ride for his third year.

“It’s good to stop in these communities and get the support from the communities and know it’s like not everybody is against us,” Rutkowski said.

On their stop in Middlebury, Dustin McLain from Elkhart showed his support by paying for a portion of their lunch at Rulli’s Pizza.

“I wanted to make sure I let them know that they’re appreciated too,” Dustin said.