Paulding Deputy To Represent Southeast In Police Unity Tour

PAULDING COUNTY, GA — A Paulding County Sheriff's Office deputy will represent the southeast region in a benefit bike ride raising awareness of officers killed in the line of duty, the sheriff's office announced Thursday.

Sgt. Mike Ellison, a 24-year veteran of the sheriff's office, will join the Police Unity Tour in 2022. The Police Unity Tour raises money for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and Museum through the benefit bicycle ride. Prior to his experience with the Paulding sheriff's office, Ellison was a U.S. Marine, according to a news release.

This will be Ellison's first year riding in the tour, which began in 1997 and has the motto, "We Ride for Those Who've Died." The route begins in Portsmouth, Virginia and ends in Washington, D.C., spanning roughly 250 miles over three days.

The ride starts May 10, 2022 and ends in the midst of National Police Week in D.C. on May 12.

“Mike is one of our best deputies and has always given back to the community throughout his career," Sheriff Gary Gulledge said in the release. "I am extremely proud that he is taking part in the Police Unity Tour to benefit the National Law Enforcement Memorial. I hope everyone will consider donating to this worthy cause.”

Anyone interested in donating to the cause can visit this link and select "Sergeant Mike Ellison" as the recipient.