Losing an officer in the line of duty is every police chief’s greatest fear.  In June 2007, that fear was realized in Howard County when Corporal Scott Wheeler was struck and killed by a motorist he was trying to stop for a speeding violation. Scott became the third Howard County Police officer to die in the line of duty, joining Police Officer Randolph Brightwell and Recruit Officer Roger Cassell. When these officers were killed, we lost not only good officers, but good friends. We have participated in a number of events that have supported the surviving family members and friends of many of Maryland’s Fallen Heroes.

One of the most moving of those events has been the Police Unity Tour, a bicycle ride from various locations to the National Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial in Washington, D.C.  For the past three years, Scott’s brother Michael joined me and several other Howard County Police officers in riding in the Tour, whose motto is “We Ride for Those Who Died.”   Last year, 30 HCPD members participated in a four-day, 320-mile ride from Northern New Jersey to the Memorial in Washington, D.C. to honor Scott and Officer Brightwell, whose names are inscribed there.  During that ride, we met many other survivors and co-workers of the nation’s Fallen Heroes.  Spending time with these survivors has underscored for me the importance of continuing to provide support to them.

Because of our commitment and continued participation in the Police Unity Tour – the National Chapter sought our assistance in developing a new Chapter to include a new route.  This new route will begin in Pennsylvania and will travel through Delaware and Maryland, to include Howard County, en route to the Memorial in Washington, D.C.  In May 2012, I will be leading the team of HCPD OFFICERS on this 250-MILE ride.  While the officers are making the personal and physical commitment to do this, we find ourselves in need of financial support from the community we serve.  We must raise $55,000 to support 30 riders and assisting personnel. 

We are asking for your help.  All donations are tax deductible and will support the National Law Enforcement Memorial and its programs that support our fallen officers and their families.  Donations can be made on-line here on our Donations page.  If you wish to donate by check, please send it to my attention at 3410 Court House Dr., Ellicott City, MD 21043.  Please make checks payable to the Police Unity Tour.

Thank you in advance for your consideration.  The survivors we meet will know that they have your support.

Sincerely

William J. McMahon

Chief of Police

**  If you are donating for a specific rider, please indicate the name in the drop down MESSAGE box on the “Review Donation” page of PayPal.  This will ensure your rider is credited with your donation. ~ Thank you