Monroe, NC – Two Monroe Police Officers are riding bicycles to Washington D.C. to honor fallen officer Charlotte Police Officer Fred Thornton.
Lt. Mark Coan & Sgt. Rhett Bolen are making the grueling 500 mile, 4-day bike ride to honor fallen officers.
I asked Mark & Rhett to keep the community of Monroe updated with some daily video reports of their ride.
Here is today’s ride report from Mark & Rhett on their way to Washington D.C.
Here is a report of the ride courtesy of TV News 14:
Dozens of law enforcement officers from across the country came to the Queen City Wednesday to honor their fallen comrades.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police began its annual 500-mile, four-day Bike to D.C. ride in uptown. This year the department dedicated the ride to Officer Fred Thornton. The 29-year veteran of the force died last year when a flash bang device detonated at his home.
A brotherhood of blue, from across the U.S. mobilized in Uptown Charlotte Wednesday to tackle one of their toughest assignments according to organizer Ron Horton, Honor those who’ve fallen in the line of duty. Seventy-five riders from 15 law enforcement agencies started the first leg of their 500-mile four-day journey from CMPD headquarters in Uptown.
The Bike to D.C. Event began in 2007 after CMPD Officers Jeff Shelton and Sean Clark were killed.
“Some of the officers came to me a couple of weeks after that and said we’ve prayed we’ve mourned we want to do something,” said Horton.
This year the department dedicated the ride to Officer Fred Thornton, who died after a flash bang device went off at his home last year. His wife Linda Thornton was honored.
“It’s so nice that even after all this time they’re still thinking of ways to honor him. And it’s so humbling,” said Linda Thornton.
“Fred was just a super guy.” Lt. Todd Garrett who worked along side Thornton wanted to support the veteran officer’s family. “Riding a bike for 500 miles that’s minor compared to what Fred and all of them had to sacrifice and their families had to sacrifice.”
In addition to remembering fallen officers, the group is also raising money for Charlotte’s Finest Legacy. It’s a scholarship fund for high school seniors interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement. Anyone who would like more information or would like to donate, click here.
2012 Monroe Scoop
