04-05-2025
'Back the Blue' memorial ride cancelled; but the tribute rolls on
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – The 'Back the Blue' parade began back in 2005, after Panama City Beach Sergeant Kevin Kight was killed in the line of duty at a traffic stop on March 27, 2005.
20 years later, the tradition carries on to show support for law enforcement and first responders. Saturday's ride was cancelled due to weather, but that didn't stop bikers and law enforcement officers from paying tribute.
'It's not just Bay County. It's located out here at Panama City Beach. We actually all come together, come together for this event as a tribute. The Cops n' Kids just kind of a way to actually get back to the community through this event as well,' Panama City Beach Police Sergeant James Dinse said.
The ride is held twice a year, collecting donations that benefit the Panama City Beach Police Cops n' Kids program, which helps kids in need during the holiday season.
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'Kevin was all about community. He was always out there trying to help, you know, throughout his whole time he served. So he would be thrilled that this was named after him, that it's continued. And he loved kids. Um, he was a T-ball coach, and he had a son, and he was all about. So this would be right up his alley,' Widow of Kevin Kight, Christina Kight-McVay, said.
Even without the parade, participants are reminded of the service and sacrifice that law enforcement officers and first responders make each day.
'It is a very difficult and hard job out there. And they need that encouragement. They need to know that, you know, they're supported and they're thought well of out there,' Kight-McVay said.
Thunder Beach will be back in the fall for the next rally, and they will be continuing the tradition of riding to 'Back the Blue'.
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