Released by the Medford Police Department
Several members of the Medford Township Police Department recently took part in the Police Unity Tour. The Police Unity Tour began in 1997 as a way of raising awareness for law enforcement officers that have died in the line of duty. It also raises funds for the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial and Museum in Washington, D.C.
Det. Cpl. Jason Deroian and Police Officer Justin Chase joined nearly 1600 officers and supporters from as far away as California in riding their bicycles from New Jersey to Washington D.C.
The ride began on Wednesday May 9 in East Hanover, N.J. and ended in Washington, D.C. on Saturday May 12 at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. On Sunday, May 13 officers joined survivors and thousands of other law enforcement officers and supporters for the 24th annual Candlelight Vigil honoring the 163 law enforcement officers that lost their lives in the line of duty during 2011. Joining Dcpl. Deroian and Officer Chase were Police Officer Bill Webb, Police Officer James Albertson, Police Safety Officer Kim Cochran and Retired Lieutenant Tom Switick. These members of the Police Department helped serve as escorts and support staff for the riders.
Other area law enforcement departments represented included Evesham, Moorestown, and Willingboro. The members of the Medford Police Department raised $10,500 for the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial and Museum. Overall, the Police Unity Tour raised over $1.6 million.
