Police Unity Tour to ride through Lewes May 10

The Police Unity Tour memorial bicycle ride is drawing near for native Delaware cyclists.

JuneRose Futcher will ride for her grandfather, the first fallen officer in the history of Sussex County law enforcement. Charles W. Futcher Sr. had been a Lewes Police Department officer for 10 years and was 39 when he died in the line of duty in 1939. Charles was driving his “machine” when he crashed, and he initially appeared healthy and fit. Only a fews days after flying over the Delaware Bay, he was stricken and collapsed due to his hidden injuries. His widow, Frances Graves Futcher, raced to find help, but he could not be saved, leaving his wife and children. JuneRose Futcher is inspired by the legacy of her family’s “Charles” and is earning much praise from the law enforcement and greater communities of Delaware for her commitment and tributes to fallen men and women in the line of duty.

“We are very proud that Miss Futcher has been so passionate and dedicated to riding in the Police Unity Tour,” said Lewes Police Chief Tom Spell. “We are lucky to have her energy representing the City of Lewes.”

Futcher will be riding in a chapter of 400 cyclists among 3,000 from the U.S., Canada, England and Australia. Chapter 10 will be arriving in Lewes on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Wednesday, May 10. The Police Unity Tour will continue to Washington, D.C., completing 375 miles from northern New Jersey. As a survivor and a direct descendant, Futcher will be a recognized cyclist with several survivors. She is honored to be leading the motorcade of cyclists for the entire tour.

For more information, call 302-645-8829.