In 2016, Wayne State University police sergeant Collin Rose pedaled his bike into Washington, D.C. completing the more than 300 mile Police Unity Tour to raise awareness for law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty. 

Although it was his second tour, last year’s was special. Tucked under his cycling jersey, he carried an engagement ring on a chain. Honoring fallen officers and their loved ones meant so much to Rose that he chose to propose to his girlfriend, Nicole Salgot, in front of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial (pictured, right).

Tragically, six months later Rose was shot and killed in the line of duty on Nov. 22, 2016. Today, his name is etched into the marble on the memorial’s west wall.

It’s under these heartbreaking circumstances that 11 Wayne State University Police officers, including the entire shift working when Rose was shot, will make the trip to the District of Columbia for the 36th Annual National Peace Officer’s Memorial Services.

This year's ride will leave northern New Jersey on May 9 and arrive in Washington, D.C. on May 12. A candlelight vigil will take place on May 13 at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.

Officer Chris Powell and Salgot (pictured, left), are riding the tour in honor of Rose. Rose’s bike will be on the event’s pace vehicle and then ridden on the final leg of the tour by the event’s founders.

“It’s going to be tough, especially for Nikki, but we’re going to keep his name out there and honor him,” said Powell.

Powell says he and Rose came back from previous Unity Tours reenergized and reminded of why they went into law enforcement.

Chief Anthony Holt is hopeful this year’s services will help his department heal.

“It’s very tough to get closure. You can’t say it happened five months ago and move on,” said Holt. “Every time an officer is shot somewhere else you kind of relive it. This trip combined with the identification of the suspect, I believe will help a great deal.”

The community also continues to think of Rose. Holt and Powell say that the department continues to receive cards and donations.

“We just had a homeless guy come into the station with a dollar in loose change and wanted it given to the family of Collin Rose,” said Holt.

The Wayne State Unity Tour team has raised more than $20,000 this year. Some money will support Powell and Salgot on the ride, but the majority of funds will go toward preserving the Law Enforcement Memorial. Donations are still being accepted.

Since it was founded in 1997, the Police Unity Tour has raised more than $20 million.