WMBCTV: From New Jersey to D.C.: Officers Ride in Tribute to Fallen Heroes

Honoring the lives and contributions of officers fallen in the line of duty. That’s the goal of a flourishing annual tribute started 28 years ago by Florham Park Police Officer Patrick Montoure, who first envisioned and organized the four day bicycle ride from New Jersey to Washington D.C. Today, those who are participating in this show of solidarity and remembrance say it’s more than just a ride. It's a tribute.

The event brings together police officers, family members and community members to honor those lost in the line of duty - with every mile pedaled a reminder of the sacrifice made.

She’s known as Momma Morgan throughout the city of Newark - Phyllis Morgan, mother of fallen Newark Detective Michael Morgan Jr., says she’s grateful for events like this that allow the community to pause and honor her son and other fallen officers.

“He was killed taking a police action in another city on 11/07/11,” said Phyllis Morgan. “I think about him every morning, I say goodnight to him every night. I miss my son.”

Officials say that what started with 18 riders in 1997 as a four-day fundraising bike ride from New Jersey has grown to nearly 2500 members nationwide who now make the annual trip. 

“They will always ride for those who died, who made the ultimate sacrifice, they will always ride, but my hope and my wish is that we don’t have any more officers that are killed,” said Phyllis Morgan.

The 320-mile ride ends today in Washington, D.C., where Newark officers will join thousands from across the country to pay tribute. Today’s ride-in ceremony is scheduled for 2 p.m. in the nation’s capital, which many say is a symbolic end to a journey of remembrance, resilience, and resolve. Also in Washington D.C., officials will be hosting this year’s candlelight vigil to honor our nation’s fallen officers tomorrow evening with a name-reading ceremony. The honored names are also engraved on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.