Durham police officers killed in line of duty remembered in charity cycle ride
The Annual Care of Police Survivors Unity Tour began today (July 31), as two of the force's members take part in honour of their fallen colleagues.
Casualty reduction Coordinator, Pete Tate, and retired Inspector, Ed Turner, are cycling more than 250 miles over four days.
After beginning their ride in Washington, the team briefly stopped at force headquarters, before setting off on their way to the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.
The pair are joined by colleagues from Northumbria Police and are supported by the Police Federation of England and Wales to raise funds for the charity.
Police taking part in the Police Unity Tour. (Image: North Yorkshire Police) Chief Constable Rachel Bacon and Deputy Durham Police and Crime Commissioner wished them luck before they set off on their way, to honour their colleagues.
The team stopped at the site where PC Shiell was show and held a minute's silence while they remembered his sacrifice.
The riders now make their way to Thirk to pay respects to PC Rosie Prior, who was killed when she stopped to help a broken-down motorist on the A19 near Bagby on January 11 this year.
PC Rosie Prior, who died after after being struck by a passing lorry on the A19 near Bagby on the morning of Saturday, January 11. (IMAGE: North Yorkshire Police)Ed, who retired last year after serving three decades in the force, has completed the cycle several times, and said the event was emotional each time.
He said: 'It's a privilege to return and take part in the COPS ride again, representing Durham Constabulary and remembering our colleagues.
'It feels special every time we reach the arboretum, as hundreds of officers and families of fallen officers come together to commemorate those who paid the ultimate price for protecting their communities.'
Police taking part in the Police Unity Tour. (Image: North Yorkshire Police) Pete and Ed join hundreds of other riders and Chief Constable Bacon at the arboretum on Sunday, August 2, where a special service will be held to honour those fallen in the line of duty.
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In their fundraising efforts, the Police Unity Tour has raised over £200,000.
Pete said: 'I'm privileged to be involved in my fifth ride for the COPS charity which we do to honour the sacrifice of those who have died in the line of duty.
'It's an incredibly humbling and emotional experience with the families, friends and police colleagues from across the UK and we will especially be remembering PCs Shiell and Prior this year.'
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