Please help support our participation in the

Police Unity Tour

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.

We in the Howard County Department of Police lost a great police officer and friend when Corporal Scott Wheeler was struck and killed by a motorist he was trying to stop for a speeding violation.  Since that time, 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 was the Police Unity Tour, a bicycle ride from various locations to the National Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial in Washington, D.C.  

Last year, Scott’s brother Michael joined me and police Captain John McKissick in riding in the Tour, whose motto is “We Ride for Those Who Died.”   We participated in the three-day, 280-mile ride from Norfolk, VA to the Memorial to honor Scott and Officer Randolph Brightwell, the other Howard County police officer whose name is 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.

Our involvement in last year’s ride inspired us to form a Howard County Police team for 2010. This year, I will be leading the team of HCPD OFFICERS in the 200-MILE Police Unity Tour from southern New Jersey to the Memorial.  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 $33,000 to support 20 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 online at www.HCPDcyclingteam.org.  If you wish to donate by check,  please send it to my attention at 3410 Court House Dr. in Ellicott City, MD 21043.  Please make checks payable to Police Unity Tour Chapter 2.

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

Howard County Police Cycling Team

        “We ride for those who died”