AJO President Andy O'Connor Celebrates Another Successful Police Unity Tour Bike Ride

Once again I would like to thank everyone who supported me and the Police Unity Tour (PUT) this year. As many of you know, 2016 was my 14th ride and in common with other rides, it was not without its challenges.
 
Each year we have some unfortunate injuries, as you might expect, with over 2,000 riders making their way 300 miles to Washington DC. This year retired Sgt. Joe Franklin of Rockaway, NJ was fatally injured in a bad fall the afternoon of the first day. Joe will be remembered as a longtime PUT motorcycle escort and more recently a bike rider. It was very difficult to put this tragedy behind us and continue on, but the slogan “we ride for those that died”, rang in our heads with each turn of the pedal.
 
Given this was the 20th anniversary of the tour, we arrived in DC to record crowds. The emotional cheering went on for over an hour until the last rider cycled through the Memorial and climbed off their bike. Personally, I was greeted by my family, including my brother Dennis and three cheering grand kids. What a great welcoming committee!
 
As the ceremony progressed, Joe was remembered for his commitment to the PUT.

 

In keeping with our tradition, the Tour Officials presented our check to Craig Floyd, Executive Director of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial (NLEOM), in the amount of $2,317,351.00. This brings the total donation over the last 20 years from the PUT to the NLEOM of 20 million dollars.
 
Thank you to all who supported this important cause with your donations and messages of support.
 

Andy