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Police Unity Tour rolls through Lewes

May 16, 2019

Riders took part in the annual Police Unity Tour May 9-13, riding 300 miles from New Jersey to Washington, D.C., ending with a candlelight vigil on the grass outside the United States Capitol. More than 600 riders crossed the Delaware Bay on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry May 10, and were welcomed by a large group of supporters in Lewes.

The overall mission of the Police Unity Tour is to raise awareness of law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. The secondary mission is to raise funds for the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial and Museum in Washington, D.C. 

The ride was organized by Officer Patrick Monture of Florham Park, N.J., in May of 1997, and started with just 18 riders. This year, more than 2,500 riders participated, coming from all over the country to honor the sacrifices made by those officers who died in the line of duty. To date, the Police Unity Tour has raise more than $23 million.

Chapter 10 encompasses riders from 12 states, including Delaware.

Lewes resident June Rose Futcher rides to honor her grandfather Charles W. Futcher, who died in the line of duty in 1939.

“I certainly feel tremendous pride representing my hometown of Lewes and riding for our fallen grandfather Charles of the Lewes PD," she said. “Riding approximately 300 miles is no small feat, but with the support of many community leaders, government, law enforcement, friends and family, I know I can fulfill the mission of the PUT and also make my community proud. Their constant encouragement and recognition inspired me in every training ride and every mile on the Police Unity Tour. The sight of my sponsors at the ferry dock, from the City of Lewes and the State of Delaware was especially heartwarming."

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