BEND, OR -- Six local police officers are traveling to the east coast to take part in the annual “Unity Tour." It’s a 250-mile bike ride honoring law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty.

Officer Adam Steele is one of five officers from Bend Police and one from Sunriver PD who have been training for months. He says, "Everybody has their own reason for riding in the Unity Tour, whether it’s a fallen friend or family member, or someone they know. But, this is our chance for everybody to show support for the family and the loved ones who are still surviving. Bend Detective Chris Morin adds, "I do this just to raise awareness of the fallen; everybody needs to know these guys’ – these men and women’s names. They serve our country in each of the cities and they need to be remembered. They paid the ultimate sacrifice and we owe it to them to remember their names."

The Unity Tour starts in Portsmouth, Virginia May 10. It ends at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC, the next day. Officer Steele says, "The fundraising has gone on for the last six months, for this year’s Unity Tour. And, we’ve been so thankful for our families, friends and community support all across Central Oregon. Each of us have raised a total of $1,850, so we’re close to $10,000 that will go to the Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington DC and support for their families."
 

Click HERE to watch a video about the local team's training and trip.