After the Ride: National Police Week

They rode for those who died. And they live for the honor of protecting and serving.

After the ride, that's how Red Bank Police Patrolman John Camarca described his and the perspecitve of many fellow officers participating in the Police Unity Tour, biking in honor of officers lost in the line of duty to Washington D.C. to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.

They're there now. And, starting with a candlelight service, National Police Week 2013 was kicked off. There's a lot to take in, Camarca said and showed in photos.

"It is not how these officers died that made them heroes, it is how they lived," said an inscription on the memorial.

And there was more there to serve as a reminder of why law enforcement officers do what they do and live how they do and sometimes die because of it.

"To some, this is just a picture of a line," words above a thin blue line (officers' memorial symbol) on an emergency vehicle said. "To others, it is a family crest."

The only Red Bank officer lost in the line of duty, James Walsh, is honored at the memorial, Camarca said. (see the photos)

The brotherhood of law enforcement is one of the focuses of the memorial and National Police Week.

"In valor there is hope," also etched in stone at the memorial, makes yet another statement of a mantra officers make their mission to pay forward, just as they work to protect and serve.

Is there an officer who has gone out of their way to help you who you would like to mention and honor for National Police Week? Tell us in the comments section below.

* Special thanks to Patrolman John Camarca for sending the photos.