Most people would opt for a flight from Florham Park, N.J. to Washington, D.C., but WSU police officer Chris Powell and others from agencies across the country are making the 320-mile trip on two wheels. 

The officers will participate in the annual Police Unity Tour memorial bicycle ride on May 9. 

This is the first tour for Powell, who joined the WSUPD nearly six years ago. Fellow officer Tory Tederington will accompany Powell in a supporting role.  

“The Police Unity Tour is a fundraising and awareness campaign,” said Powell. “One of my police academy classmates was killed a few years ago. We’re doing this in remembrance of him and others who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice.”

To increase awareness, the officers partnered with Cinema Detroit and Modern City Entertainment for a screening of Heroes Behind The Badge: Sacrifice & Survival on April 23. The film recounts the harrowing stories of law enforcement officers who were caught in the line of fire.

For more information about the Police Unity Tour or to support the officers, visit firstgiving.com/team/250388. Donations benefit the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.