Police Unity Tour rolls through Lewes
May 10 was a special day for JuneRose Futcher. The lifelong Lewes resident led more than 200 Police Unity Tour riders through the heart of Lewes, the town for which her grandfather Charles Wilson Futcher gave his life on Aug. 13, 1939.
The contingent of police officers and civilian relatives of fallen officers crossed the Delaware Bay on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry following a daylong ride beginning north of Atlantic City. Once in Delaware, Futcher was ushered to the front of the pack and led riders along Cape Henlopen Drive then west along Savannah Road to Zwaanendael Park, where a plaque honors the late Charles Futcher.
“There are a lot of feelings and thoughts that come up,” Futcher said after the ceremony. “It's truly an honor. This means I'm part of a greater community of the police family. Despite being a civilian, they treated us like one of their own.”
For the last 20 years, the Police Unity Tour has brought together police officers and survivors to honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice protecting their community. Chapters from across the country ride to Washington, D.C., each year where they converge and ride together to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. This year's tour drew about 3,000 riders.
Joining Futcher on the long journey was Delaware State Police Troop 7 Trooper First Class Cheri Magda. This is the second consecutive year Troop 7 was represented in the tour, with Corporal Joseph (Brad) Harmon riding in 2015.
"For these men and women to unite and apply their determination and athleticism to honor the families and survivors of our fallen officers is laudable," said Troop 7 Commander Alice Brumbley. "When we join toward a shared goal, there is not only power but inspiration. We are so proud of TFC Magda and all the cyclists for their achievement and how they have poured themselves into the cause."
Once Futcher and Magda's group reached the Zwaanendael Park, they were greeted by Lewes Mayor Ted Becker and Georgetown Police Chief Randall Hughes for a brief ceremony.
“Sussex County is extremely fortunate to have had very few losses over the years,” Becker said. “But each of those losses represents a loss to the officer’s family, the community and the nation.”
Becker continued, “The plaque we installed here to honor officer Futcher serves to remind us that even in a place as tranquil as Lewes our city police place themselves in harm’s way every day. I appreciate the dedicated service of all the men and women who have chosen to serve.”
Hughes ended the brief service by naming all nine Sussex County officers who have been killed in the line of duty.
“The efforts of the Police Unity Tour help us to remember our fallen officers, reflect on their accomplishments and to restore unity within the law enforcement community,” he said.
Sussex County officers killed in line of duty
Officer Charles Futcher, Lewes Police Department, Aug. 13, 1939
Patrolman James Hill, Seaford Police Department, July 10, 1970
Patrolman Wallace Melson, Ocean View Police Department, Aug. 21, 1971
Trooper Kevin Mallon, Delaware State Police, March 20, 1990
Trooper Gerard Dowd, Delaware State Police, Sept. 12, 1990
Trooper Sandra Wagner, Delaware State Police, April 5, 1996
Officer Harvey Gregg Jr., Georgetown Police Department, April 4, 1998
Trooper Christopher Shea, Delaware State Police, July 18, 2004
Patrolman Chad Spicer, Georgetown Police Department, Sept. 1, 2009
