07-05-2025
Tour de Force honors 9/11 responders
PLATTSBURGH — Hundreds of cyclists, runners and walkers from across the North Country biked in honor of two late 9/11 first responders Sunday.
The 10th annual Tour de Force charity run and bike race honored New York State Police Capt. Christopher J. Garrow and Trooper Robert M. Burney, who both died from cancers related to their responding to the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
The event, part of a national charity, blends fitness with purpose, raising funds to support the families of those lost in the line of duty or to 9/11-related illness.
The Tour De Force Charity Run is an annual event with options for a half-marathon, 10k, 5k, and 1 mile run, or walk, and a group bike ride.
STRONG TURNOUT
Despite the rainy weather, all options drew a strong turnout Sunday.
The ceremony opened with a solemn motorcade consisting of state and local agencies and dozens of motorcycles.
'We hold the ceremony in a very specific order. It is what you would see at a funeral or memorial. We wanted to do it right and make sure it was respectful and proper.' Sara Courcelle, Tour de Force race director, said.
The crowd shared a moment of silence for the honorees, followed by a 13-fold ceremony, or the 'tricorne hat' fold, of an American flag presented to both of the families.
According to Courcelle, for the remembrance, they try to pick an honoree or two from the local area who has died from illness or on duty.
'It is, of course, very unfortunate that we are able to do that, to pick from in the community, but we invite the families and try to make it a really special day for them,' she said.
GIVING BACK
The atmosphere balanced respect with community spirit, as agencies, departments and families engaged side by side before and after they crossed the finish line.
Many came not just to exercise, but to pay their respects, motivated by personal connections to first responders or by a broader sense of gratitude.
'The moment really struck me as I entered the property. It gave a very solemn feeling.' Charlie Jones, cyclist from Placid Planet, said.
Even first-time attendees described the experience as deeply meaningful.
'I think it is so special for the community to honor those who serve the community,' Joanna Dahlen, a cyclist said.
'It is so meaningful and I am delighted to participate.'
Jackie Grant, a first responder, heard about the Tour de Force and thought it was a 'good cause,' and 'showed respect.'
Behind the scenes, organizers emphasized the lasting impact of 9/11 and the continuing sacrifices made by first responders.
For them, the event is a chance to ensure those losses are not forgotten and to unite the community around remembrance and support.
'That is why it is so important for us. The Sept. 11 attacks were almost 24 years ago now, but it is still taking people's lives,' Courcelle said.
'We are still losing our protectors, those who leave their families every day to take care of everyone else.'
2015 marked the first Annual Tour De Force run and Bike race in Plattsburgh.
The event supports the national Tour De Force charity and honors local law enforcement heroes who have passed away.
'We started 10 years ago. Tour de Force is a national effort. We are an entity, so we raise funds for the national charity,' Courcelle said.
'And they take care of families of first responders who have either died due to 9/11-related illness, or those who have died on the line of duty.'
The Tour De Force charity supports the families of these fallen heroes.
The 'Tour de Force' was started in 2002 after NYPD Det. Robert De Paolis decided to ride his bike to honor the fallen police officers that gave their lives in the September 11, 2001 attacks.
He was then joined by seven other members of the NYPD and one member of the Bronx District Attorney's Office and along with four volunteer support personnel.
They cycled their way from the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, to Ground Zero in New York City.
Since then, the Tour De Force has become a nationwide event.
