PAX Centurion - Fall 2017

Page 26 • PAX CENTURION • Fall 2017 617-989-BPPA (2772) Hundreds of cyclists participate in East Boston Police Ride to support Officers Cintolo and Morris By Bryan Decker, BPPA Attorney O n September 9, I had the privilege of joining hundreds of cyclists – most of them police officers, firefighters or EMPs – for the first leg of the 2017 Tour de Force 911 Memorial Ride. This year, the first leg, from Copley Square toWarwick, RI, was “the East Boston Police Ride” in honor of A-7’s own Matt Morris and Richie Cintolo. We were led for the first part of the ride by members of the BPD Bike Unit. The Tour de Force was started in 2002 by NewYork City police detective Robert DePaola, who decided to ride his bike from the Pentagon to Ground Zero to honor the officers, firefighters, and other first-responders who were killed during the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. He was joined by a small group of fellow NewYork City officers for the inaugural journey. A year later, the Tour de Force became a nonprofit charity. Today, about 250 riders from around the nation —many of them police officers, firefighters, or EMTs — participate in the bicycle trek to raise money to support the families of recently fallen police officers. This year, the Tour de Force started in Boston and ended, after four long days of riding, at Ground Zero in Manhattan. The BPPA canteen truck was on hand all afternoon the day before the ride to feed participants as they arrived in town and registered for the ride. In addition to the four day “main event,” for the past several years, riders can take part in a one day ride. This year, we rode in honor of Matt and Richie. BPD Lt. Christopher Hamilton, who’s been involved with the Tour de Force for many years, helped to organize the East Boston Police Ride, and deserves thanks for his efforts. Almost 100 riders participated in the East Boston Police Ride. The ride on September 9 was one of the most enjoyable rides of my life. It was so inspiring to meet officers and police supporters from all over the country who come together annually for this great event. As we rode, I chatted with officers fromMassachusetts, Colorado, NewYork, New Jersey, Virginia, California, and elsewhere. It was wonderful to see hundreds of riders (it would have been 30 more if the Florida contingent hadn’t been called to duty there for Hurricane Irma) riding through Boston and down to Providence. The camaraderie during the ride and grabbing a beer (or two, or three) afterward was rousing and inspiring. I met so many men and women who were riding in their fifth, sixth, or tenth Tour. The fact that they keep coming back year after year, devoting many hours to training and then almost a week to the ride, is a testament to what a great cause it is, and what a great time is had. Of course, while the ride is great fun, it’s really about honoring the memory of fallen officers, and raising money for their families. This year, the 4-day tour raised approximately $600,000, and again, monies from the East Boston Ride will be going to Matt and Richie to help with their recoveries. It was a great honor to be a part of it. Being a part of this ride reminded me of how dangerous a job of a police officer is, and I am grateful for your service and dedication in protecting our community. After we arrived inWarwick, RI, those of us who were only riding the one day were bussed back to Boston. I wished I could have stayed to hang out with the rest of the riders, who left the next morning for a 97-mile ride through Connecticut. Next year, I think I’m in for the long haul.