4TH ANNUAL MEMORIAL RIDE ◊ MAY 9 -16, 2010

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial (NLEOM) in Washington, D.C. honors federal, state and local law enforcement for their dedication and sacrifice. The memorial features bronze sculptures depicting a series of adult lions protecting its cubs, symbolizing the protective role of law enforcement officers. Blue-gray marble walls are inscribed with the names of more than 17,500 officers who have been killed in the line of duty (dating back to 1792). Each May, during National Police Week new names of fallen officers are added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.

Every year thousands of individuals from the law enforcement community and around the world come together in Washington D.C. to honor our fellow brothers and sisters who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. During law enforcement week in Washington D.C. law enforcement personnel, families and friends gather in a series of different ceremonies to honor our fallen officers. One of the events, first organized in 1997 is the Police Unity Tour.

On May 9th, I will join hundreds of law enforcement officers from around the country who will bicycle along varying routes, each over 300 miles to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial (NLEOM) in Washington D.C. This year, The Police Unity Tour – Southern California Chapter will have 75 police officers representing L.A.P.D., L.A. County Sheriff, Beverly Hills P.D., Burbank PD, L.A. Airport P.D., Palos Verdes Estates P.D., Pasadena and Alhambra PD. Our route will take us from Somerset, New Jersey to Washington D.C. where on May 12th a candlelight vigil will be held at the Memorial. On that night, the names of the officers who have died in the line of duty in 2009 will be read before a crowd of thousands to include there love ones, family members and friends.

The primary purpose of the Police Unity Tour is to raise awareness of the police officers who have died in the line of duty. Our motto is, “We Ride For Those Who Died.” The secondary purpose is to raise funds for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and Museum. Since its’ inception in 1997, the Police Unity Tour has raised $4.3 million to support the NLEOM, with $1.3 million raised during last year’s 13th Annual Police Unity Tour.

Officers riding in the tour must raise a minimum of $1,800 to participate. The tour provides support services including over-night lodgings; however each officer must pay for their own transportation to and from the east coast as well as meals and other miscellaneous expenses. Your generous donations would not only assist in raising donations for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and Museum, but also raise awareness for our fallen officers across the nation.

It is only because of the incredible support of my friends, family and colleagues that I will have the opportunity to participate in the Police Unity Tour and raise thousands of dollars for the NLEOM. I am asking for your financial support to allow me to ride in my second Police Unity Tour. Donations to the Police Unity Tour, Inc. (a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, Tax ID# 26-4384010) can be made payable to: Police Unity Tour, Inc. with my name, Steven Torres, written in the memo line. All checks should be sent to 21143 Hawthorne Boulevard, #293 Torrance, CA 90503. You can also donate by visiting the website at http://www.socalput.com/, then click the blue link, “Donate to a Rider”, tab down on the right hand side of the page, locate my name and click on the “PayPal Donate” link. It would be very helpful if your donation was received by April 1st, 2010. Your generosity and donation would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you very much for consideration in supporting the Police Unity Tour.

Sincerely,

Steven Torres
LAPD/Newton Division