Police Unity Tour “We Ride For Those Who Died”
See related MidJersey.News coverage of the event here: 2020 Police Unity Tour Bike Ride Held In NJ
September 26, 2020
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–This evening the Hamilton Township Police Department hosted a memorial service and blessing of riders that are in tomorrow’s Police Unity Tour ride from Asbury Park to Stafford Twp., NJ.
The primary purpose of the Police Unity Tour is to raise awareness of Law Enforcement Officers who have died in the line of duty. The secondary purpose is to raise funds for the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial.
Normally the ride would be held in May when several Chapters of the Police Unity Tour leave New Jersey on bicycles and ride to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. The over 250 mile journey on bicycles takes 4 days to complete riding at least 62 miles per day.
This year’s spring ride was canceled due to COVID-19 but the Police Unity Tour was able to schedule a one day ride on Sunday.
Some history on the Police Unity Tour:
In 1997, Florham Park (NJ) Police Officer Patrick Montuore had a simple idea: organize a four-day bicycle ride from New Jersey to Washington, DC to raise public awareness about law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty, and to ensure that their sacrifice is never forgotten. With that, the Police Unity Tour was formed.
What started with 18 riders on a four day fund-raising bicycle ride from Florham Park, NJ to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. has grown into 9 chapters consisting of nearly 2,600 members nationwide who make the trip annually. Participants include riders, motorcycles, and support personnel.
The journey is long and challending but for the Police Unity Tour participants it is what they prepare for throughout the year. Through fundraising and physical training, they know that their efforts raise awareness of the ultimate sacrifice made by so many law enforcement officers.
The last leg of the jouney ends at the Memorial, where the participants are greeted by friends, family, and survirors. Once there, many Police Unity Tour members present remembrance braclets worn on their wrists throughout the journey to the families of the fallen.
May 2020, the Police Unity Tour was proud to donate more than $2.0 million to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, bringing our total donations to more than $30 million since their inception.
The Police Unity Tour is the sponsor of the National Law Enforcement Museum’s Hall of Remembrance, the Memorial Fund’s Officer of the Month Award, and Recently Fallen Alert programs.
MidJersey.News photos by: Tyler Eckel
MidJersey.News photos by: Dennis Symons
September 26, 2020
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Just before 11:00 am there was a serious accident at the intersection Perry and Warren Streets when two vehicles collided. One vehicle crashed into a tree and a building and another knocked down a traffic signal. Trenton EMS responded with at least 2 ambulances and treated the victims of the accident. One baby was comforted by a TEMS EMT prior to transport to the hospital for evaluation. Trenton Fire Department also responded to the accident for exposed wires from the traffic signal. Trenton Police was investigating the crash.
In total at least three were transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton.
Usually public information is not available about accidents in the City of Trenton unless a fatal. This is from radio, witness and on scene reporting. If public press information is released the story will be updated and any corrections made.
OnScene News Photos by: Brian McCarthy, OnScene News
OnScene News Photos by: Brian McCarthy, OnScene News
Related recent MidJersey.News story here: “Sami’s Law” Passes The House
September 26, 2020
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Hundreds turned out for the #WHATSMYNAME 5K Run/ 1M Walk in honor of, Samantha Josephson. The run/walk supports the What’s My Name Foundation’s efforts regarding Ride Share Safety education.
The 5K run kicked off a little after 9 am and the 1 mile walk started about the same time this morning.
Samantha grew up in Robbinsville and was Robbinsville High School graduate and was attending University of South Carolina when a rideshare tragedy happened.
On March 29, 2019, Samantha Josephson, a 21 year-old senior at the University of South Carolina, was kidnapped and murdered when she was targeted by a person posing as a rideshare driver. Immediately following this unfathomable tragedy, Samantha’s parents, Seymour and Marci Josephson, set out to educate others on the importance of ride share safety so that no other family would have to suffer this kind of loss.
“Sami’s Law” was authored by Rep. Chris Smith and passed the house in July by a unanimous read more about it here: “Sami’s Law” Passes The House
Sydney, Seymour and Marci Josephson, with Rep. Chris Smith who has authored “Sami’s Law” on a Federal level and has passed the House in July, at the run/walk this morning.
Sydney, Seymour and Marci Josephson, with Rep. Chris Smith who has authored “Sami’s Law” on a Federal level and has passed the House in July, at the run/walk this morning.
The #WHATSMYNAME Foundation was established in honor of, Samantha Josephson. Our mission is to educate the world on ride share safety, supporting charitable organizations and providing college scholarships to selected high school seniors. Samantha may be gone but our goal for the rest of our time on earth is to share her story and make a lasting change.
Before you get in a ride share ask
“What’s my name?” and remember hers.
Link to #WHATSMYNAME FOUNDATION HERE
Tammy Murphy with Seymour Josephson after the 5K
Tammy Murphy with Seymour Josephson after the 5K