Mendham Police Embark On Bike Ride In Honor Of Fallen Officers

MENDHAM, NJ — Police officers from Mendham and throughout Morris County took part in the Police Unity Tour, which is a 300-mile-long bike ride to raise awareness for those killed in the line of duty.

More than 500 police officers and other members of law enforcement got on their bicycles and took off this week. They will ride their bikes to Washington, D.C.

In 1997, Florham Park Police Officer Patrick Montuore had a simple idea: organize a bicycle ride from New Jersey to Washington, D.C., to raise public awareness about law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty.

As a result, the Police Unity Tour was born.

The four days of cycling will end at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. The ride also raises funds for said memorial and has raised more than $33 million since its inception, according to the Police Unity Tour website.

The bike ride runs from May 9 through 13, during National Police Week.

This year, 556 new names will be added to the memorial during a candlelight vigil on May 13 in D.C. An estimated 30,000 people attend this vigil each year.

“This year, the names of 556 fallen officers will be added to the Memorial. 556 lives cut short as they risked their lives, working to make things safer for the community and people that they served,” said Marcia Ferranto, CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. “It’s a solemn reminder to the nation that each day is fragile. Not a moment goes by where we forget our brave men and women in blue for the ultimate sacrifice they have given. Their memory lives on.”

The five officers riding from Mendham Township include Lt. Steven Bittman, Sgt. Matthew Ambrosi, Sgt. Rob Kalweit, Det. James Arnesen, and Ptl. Sean Ulversoy.

"Special shout out to Mendham Township First Aid Squad for being a part of this send-off. Best of luck and be safe to all those who are riding for those who died in the line of duty," police said.