Another year has passed with a successful ending to the 17th Annual Georgia Police Memorial Ride hosted by Fayette County.

The Georgia Police Memorial Ride is a motorcycle ride to honor each and every law enforcement officer and his family for the service and sacrifice both have made to each of our communities across the state of Georgia.

Sadly, to date, 556 officers in this state did not come home to waiting families. The Georgia Police Memorial Ride is the day to give thanks to a family, department and community for that void.

We have just returned from the end of the ride which honored the officers of Georgia along with the nation’s finest at the National Police Officers Memorial. Bikes came from all over the United States, many in uniform and others in leather, carrying flags from their state and others showing names of fallen friends.

This year six new names from Georgia were added, and everyone who helped the Georgia Police Memorial Ride made it possible for 49 family members to be present in Washington, D.C.

I have led this ride for many years and in most counties in the metro Atlanta area, but when we crossed the line into Fayette, I knew something was different. You were waiting for us, and not just one, but entire families. All along the road you were waiting there for us, picking the right spot and some just came outside to see what was going on. Your faces told me the story, waves and hearts crossed as we drove by. The small boys at the Big Lots each had hearts crossed and the ladies in uniforms from the hair school all lined the roads; very touching.

People that were stopped for us by Fayetteville Police and Fayette County Sheriff’s Department got out of cars and waved, not your normal reaction to stopped traffic in Atlanta.

We turned the corner into the Fayette Villages Amphitheater, a great host for us, and you brought out everyone. The entire community was there.

We had the honor of presenting each honored family the gift of a flag and a badge with the fallen hero’s name. The presentation honor this year went to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Department and honor guard member Deputy Mike Thomas. He was flawless in his representation of Bibb County and the honor he bestowed upon each family.

Sadly, I must report he was involved in a motorcycle accident that same day at work and has died in the line of duty. We now have the duty to insure that Deputy Mike Thomas, his family and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Department be thanked and remembered always.

I ask that each of you welcome us back to Fayette County next year on the Annual Georgia Police Memorial Ride to honor him and all Georgia Officers.

Ed Christian, president

Blue Knights International Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club, Georgia Chapter 7

Eddie2909@aol.com

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