Cranford Officers Will Bike To Washington, D.C. For 'Unity Tour'

The following press release was submitted by the Cranford Police Department.

Two Cranford Police officers will represent the township’s police force on the upcoming Police Unity Tour bicycle ride to honor the sacrifices of police officers killed in the line of duty.

Officers from around the United States will converge on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington D.C. on May 12. Sgt. Guy Patterson and Officer Derek Farbanec will be the first Cranford officers to participate in the annual event, traveling more than 300 miles by bicycle. They will depart New Jersey on May 9.

The Police Unity Tour was organized in May, 1997 by Chief Patrick P. Montuore of the Florham Park Police Department, with the hope of bringing public awareness of Police Officers who died in the line of duty and to honor their sacrifices. The first event included 18 riders on a four day fund-raising bicycle ride from Florham Park to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. Over time, the event has grown to encompass eight chapter organizations consisting of nearly 1600 members nationwide. In addition to officers representing 40 different states, participants have traveled to the event from Australia, Canada, England, India, Israel and Italy.

Through obtaining sponsorship and donations, officers participating in the Police Unity Tour raise funds that are donated to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. The May 2012 event resulted in more than $1.65 million being donated to the NLEOMF, bringing total donations to the fund since inception to nearly $12 million. Sgt. Patterson and Officer Farbanec have committed to raising more than $2,000.00 each through their participation in the tour.

According to Sgt. Patterson, the tour represents an opportunity to challenge himself for a good cause.

“It’s hard work and it’s a challenge, but it’s definitely worth the effort. I think this ride is an excellent way to honor these fallen officers and their families,” Patterson said.

Both officers have been training weekly since October, 2012. Cranford Police Chief Eric G. Mason commends his officers’ participation in the Police Unity Tour.

“Any time you witness officers seizing an opportunity to join with other agencies and support a worthwhile cause such as honoring fallen police officers, you have to respect that,” he said. “I support them wholeheartedly and I wish them success in their endeavor.”

Donation Websites:
Guy Patterson —  http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/guypatterson/2013-police-unity-tour---chapter-i

Derek Farbanec —  http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/derekfarbanec/2013-police-unity-tour---chapter-i

Mail Address for General Donations :
Police Unity Tour Chapter I
P.O Box 528