Local officers looking for support

(WPRI) - Next May, 22 local police officers are planning to ride 300 miles, to attend the events surrounding Law Enforcement Officers' Memorial Day.

But, local officials need help now to raise money to get there.

Officer Joe Carroll of the Newport Police Department joined The Rhode Show to talk more about it.

The Rhode Show: How did you get involved and why is it important to support this?

Officer Joe Carroll: Ryan Duffy, an officer in Newport Police Department, is friends with Brian Jackson, an officer with local ties who was killed in action in Texas. With the war memorials in DC -- the Law Enforcement Memorial is the continues to add over a hundred to two hundred names every year. Fallen officers from 2012 will be recognized. In Rhode Island, we lost an officer this year.

The Rhode Show: What's it like to ride in to DC?

Officer Joe Carroll: When they ride in and all of the families are there to greet them... very moving! When you're pushing yourself, and feeling tired, think of the fallen officer.

The Rhode Show: How can people get involved?

Officer Joe Carroll: Riders have to raise almost $2000 to enter. So, donations can be sent in.

To help meet their donation requirement for next year’s ride, a motorcycle ride fundraiser is being held to help out.  This ride is sponsored by Scotty’s Big Dawg’s. 

Date: Sunday September 9, 2012
Location: Start and end @ Scotty’s Big Dawg’s Pub & Restaurant
823 West Main Road Middletown, RI 02842
Time: Registration is from 10am-11am
Ride kicks off @ 11:15am
Tickets: $20 per rider
$5 per passenger
Food will be provided after the ride & there will be a 50/50 raffle