Crime & Safety
Waterford Police Raising Money for Fallen Police Officers' Families
The goal is to raise $40,000 for the 2016 Tour de Force Memorial Bike RIde, honoring officers killed in the line of duty.
The Waterford Police Department is participating in the 2016 Tour de Force Memorial Bike Ride, in memory of police officers killed in the line of duty.
"This year we are fundraising as a group and our goal is to raise $40,000 for this worthy cause," Waterford Police said.
A fundraising event will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 6, at Filomena’s Restaurant,262 Boston Post Rd., Waterford. There will be raffle items, photos and videos from the 2015 ride, bikes and jerseys from the TDF. The riders will be there to answer questions and share their experiences and expectations for 2016.
Donations can be made to a specific rider, split between riders or to the group.
The passing of Bill “Pont” Pontious July 2014, propelled Joe Mooney, Andy Walker, Scott Erricson and Gregg Swanson to ride in the 2015 Tour de Force Memorial Bike Ride.
"We were apprehensive about riding 280 miles — NY City to Boston; however, as soon as we crossed the finish line, in unison, we said, 'we are doing this next year'," police said. "2016 has already been a tragic year for law enforcement across the country. As you consider how to spend your tax return money or how to allocate your annual charitable contributions, please consider the Tour De Force organization. We support the families of those officers that have lost their lives in the line of duty, hoping to provide a small sense of peace in their struggle to find a new "normal" without their loved one."
Police continued:
"In addition to raising money for a great cause, the camaraderie, support and friendships made during the event were moving beyond words. Based on our positive experiences, this year we will be joined by Andre Parker, Lee Couture, Tony Vocalina, Dan Horgan, Joe Funaro, Rick Blinderman, Mike Lovetere and Laura Taglianetti. The ride starts in Washington, DC and ends in NY City."
The Tour de Force was founded in 2002 as a memorial bicycle ride to honor the victims of 9/11 and has evolved into a four day, 275 – 290 mile ride, to raise funds for the families of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.
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