Coast Guard reservist cycles Police Unity Tour

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• published: 06 May 2016
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U.S. Coast Guard video by Petty Officer 2nd Class Erik Swanson *Captioning* Since May 1997, the Police Unity Tour has honored the sacrifices of Police Officers who have died in the line of duty and worked to increase public awareness of the issue. The mission continued in 2012. The bicycle ride starting from cities in New Jersey, New York, Delaware, Virginia and ending in the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., attracts more than 1600 riders nationwide, including one Coast Guard Reservist, Petty Officer Class Clay Davis. Davis, a Police Officer of Freehold Township, N.J., is attached to Coast Guard Marine Safety and Security Team New York as a boatswain's mate 2nd class. He learned to cycle seriously only after hearing of the tour from a friend. This is his third year riding the event and each year he rides for a different law enforcement officer. "The first year I rode for Pennsylvania State trooper Joshua Miller who was shot and killed in the line of duty after fleeing a kidnapping suspect. Last year I rode for Petty Officer Shawn Lin, and this year I'm riding for Brad Jones of the Glendale Arizona Police Department." With weather, traffic and long days, Davis mentioned the ride can be difficult but he always remembers why he's out there and stands by the event motto: "We ride for those who died." "It's a great experience, it really is, as long as you train for this, and not a couple days before, a couple months out, I try to keep as active as possible." Davis and his fellow riders pushed more than 300 miles rain or shine, escorted by police officers on motorcycles and emergency vehicles, through New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland to finish in the Nations Capital, Washington, D.C. "As far as the response, from the spectators and police officers from around the world lined up along the roadway, applauding, cheering, it brings a tear to your eye, it's an emotional time." The Police Unity Tour has raised 12 million dollars in donations to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and 5 million dollars to support the National law Enforcement Museum since the first ride in 1997. This year more than 1.6 million dollars was raised.