22-03-2025
Northeast Ohio officers joining hundreds across the country for Police Unity Tour
CLEVELAND (WJW) – 'We ride for those who died,' is their motto and inspiration.
It's called the Police Unity Tour and brings hundreds of officers together from across the country to honor those who have died in the line of duty.
Rain or shine, they bicycle from New Jersey to Washington, D.C. and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, raising money to support the memorial.
'Sadly it's the only memorial in Washington, D.C. that grows,' said Cleveland Police Sgt. Tom Ross. 'In 100 years, they'll still be adding names to that memorial and it's not lost on us at all.'
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The annual and emotional event takes place in May during National Police Week but is front and center right now for those participating.
Team Ohio is comprised of 18 members from Bluffton Police Department, Brooklyn Heights Police Department, Cleveland Division of Police, Euclid Police Department, Macedonia Police Department, Toledo Police Department and Xavier University Police Department. Additionally, three Richfield officers will be riding with a different team.
A fundraiser to support Team Ohio is being held Saturday, March 22 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Mary Queen of Peace Parish Center, 4427 Pearl Road in Cleveland.
'All money raised goes to the National Law Enforcement Memorial,' he said.
Ross will be riding with Team Ohio for the second time.
He and detective Jim Skernivitz had discussed taking part in the fundraiser, but tragically, the 53-year-old was killed while undercover on Sept. 3, 2020.
So last year, Ross rode with Jim's picture on his bike.
'So it's quite a journey for us,' he said.
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Around 24,000 names are currently on the national memorial, including many from Ohio.
This year will be especially emotional for Northeast Ohio officers after 23-year-old Euclid Officer Jacob Derbin was ambushed in May and 27-year-old Cleveland Officer Jamieson Ritter was killed in July serving an arrest warrant.
'Especially our local officers who were so young and had an entire life ahead of them at the same time we have Macedonia officers who are riding for officers killed decades ago,' said Ross.
The entire effort, he said, makes sure everyone in law enforcement and their loved ones know that their sacrifice will never be forgotten.
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