WESTFIELD – Organizers of the Ride to Remember, a charitable effort organized by members of the Springfield Police Department, are getting ready for their second annual effort to raise public awareness of officers who have died in the line of duty and, although the actual bicycle trip across the state will not start until September, the planning and fundraising has started.
The ride was originally organized to honor Springfield Officer Kevin Ambrose and Westfield Officer Jose Torres, officers who died recently while serving the public, and last year’s riders arrived on the grounds of the Massachusetts State House at Ashburton Park in Boston in time for the unveiling of their names on the Massachusetts Law Enforcement Memorial there.
Funds raised by the first bicycle ride were donated to the effort to maintain the memorial and the Ride to Remember will continue to support the memorial but part of the money the officers raise will also be donated to local charities.
Several events are planned before the riders head to Boston this year, on Sept. 20, and the next event will be on July 24 at the Luxe Burger Bar at 1200 W. Columbus Ave. in Springfield when the management of the restaurant will donate ten percent of the evening’s receipts to the effort.
The event will feature live music, a raffle and ‘Ride to Remember’ emblazoned hats and tee shirts.
In Westfield, city officers are working to stage a similar event which is tentatively planned for 7B’s Bar and Grill on Southampton Road.
A date for the event has not been finalized but organizing officers are considering possible dates in August.
Last year four Westfield officers made the 106 mile ride and contingent also included six friends and family members.
The deadline to register for the ride this year is Aug. 25 and more information is available at www.spd-ridetoremember.com.
