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Newark Detective Michael Morgan (COURTESY Paramus Detective Rachel Morgan)
National Police Week officially began Sunday.
Events have included a Rose Garden ceremony with President Obama yesterday for 34 officers selected as TOP COPS, including Morgan’s cousin, Rachel, a Paramus police detective who was shot in the line of duty:
ONLY ON CLIFFVIEW PILOT: Hours after being among 34 police officers honored by President Obama at a White House ceremony Saturday, Paramus Detective Rachel Morgan and Officer Ryan Hayo were singled out from the group when the National Association of Police Organizations presented them with the prestigious Citizens Achievement Award at the annual TOP COPS dinner. READ MORE….
Also on Saturday afternoon, more than 1,400 members of the Police Unity Tour from the U.S. and around the world completed a journey by bicycle to the nation’s capital and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial from starting points in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
Thousands gathered along the final leg of the route, cheering and waving flags and signs as the cyclists made their way into the memorial, where tonight’s vigil will be held.
During the event that followed, Florham Park Police Chief Patrick Montuore, who co-founded the tour, presented a check for the largest amount ever raised by the event – $1.65 million – to Craig W. Floyd, chairman & CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.
Another 362 names were added this year.
The names recently etched in stone include that of 32-year-old Newark Detective Michael Morgan, who was shot and killed on a Paterson street last Nov. 7 when he stepped between a robber and a woman whose purse the armed robber was trying to grab.
Also in the roll call:
Lakewood Police Officer Chris Matlosz, whose cold-blooded killer was convicted in February (SEE: Slain Lakewood officer’s fiance speaks of devastating loss).
Mount Arlington Police Joseph Wargo, killed by a drunk driver (SEE: End of watch for a good man).
Tina Rambo of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office
Along the wall, friends and loved ones have left photos, notes and other tributes sheathed in plastic to protect them from the elements.
Fair Lawn Officer Michael O’Brien is in Washington, D.C. this weekend and took the accompanying photos:
What began with 18 cyclists 15 years ago continues to grow.
Among those who made the 330-mile trek from North Jersey this year were five officers from the Mahwah Police Department and dozens of others from throughout the area.
So will others.
Morgan, 2011 Police Unity Tour (CLIFFVIEW PILOT photo)
“We need to make sure that the sacrifices that were made by our departed brothers and sisters in law enforcement are never forgotten and to make sure the loved ones of those brothers and sisters left behind know that they are not fogotten,” Bogota Chief John C. Burke Sr. told CLIFFVIEW PILOT.
“Our organization ensures that by supporting the National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum giving everyone a place to reflect on those sacrifices and to remember,” said Burke, who rode along with four of his officers. “I wouldn’t miss it.”
No one who knew Fair Lawn Police Officer Mary Ann Collura has taken the ride without holding her close to their hearts.
That includes O’Brien.
SEE: Memorial service for Mary Ann Collura
One of Collura’s colleagues, Fair Lawn Police Sgt. Richard Schultz, and 17 fellow officers from North Jersey launched the annual ride to the memorial in 1997, carrying an initial gift of $18,000.
This year they brought 30 or so motor escorts for the outpouring of officers who set off from various points throughout the state.
The group’s motto, “We Ride for Those Who Died,” says it all, said Schultz, who chronicled the trip for CLIFFVIEW PILOT last year ( SEE: Police Unity Tour: An Officer’s Journal ).
“As a charter member of the group, I can honestly say this is probably the best thing I have gotten involved with besides supporting Special Olympics,” Schultz said.
“The surviving families I know appreciate what this group does. And that’s really what makes it worth doing.”
Several other events are on tap during National Police Week. Some are listed here:
Donating through the website is simple, fast and secure: POLICE UNITY TOUR: FIRST GIVING
MORE: www.policunitytour.com / www.nleomf.org
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