Student Bikes Across Illinois for Fallen Police Officers
(NEW LENOX, IL) Communities recognize the vital work of its police and first responders. Recent tragedies have not only magnified the risks associated with the profession of law enforcement, but it has increased public interest in providing assistance to police officers and their families affected by violence. 
Patrick Murray, a junior at Providence Catholic High School, will soon embark on a 330-mile journey in recognition and honor of the extraordinary contributions of law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty.
Cycle Across Illinois benefits Illinois Police Officers. It is charity ride that raises money and awareness for the Illinois Chapter of Concerns Of Police Survivors, which includes the family members, loved ones, and co-workers of fallen officers. The ride, scheduled for July 19, has become an annual journey for riders, especially survivors and their families.
This cause is important to Patrick Murray because his father, Tim Murray is an Orland Park Police Officer. Tim has participated in this ride for many years and invited Patrick to join him for the very first time last year.
The participants ride along with families and comrades of fallen police officers. Each year, riders are required to submit an application with an essay explaining why they want to participate. Each rider receives a bracelet with the name and information of a fallen officer.
“Last year I received a bracelet of a Missouri State Trooper who grew up and lived in the state of Illinois. It is a big honor to be wear it during my first ride,” Murray said. “I was able to speak with his family and understood why I was given his bracelet, it was very emotional.”
Each participant must raise a minimum of $700 for the ride or $1,200 for two riders. Patrick Murray sought the help of the school’s student council for support. Providence Catholic High School hosted an out of uniform day that raised $950 to help him reach his goal.
“I cannot thank the Providence Catholic community enough for supporting me and this ride,” Murray said. “It means the world to me and my father; this is something I will always remember.”
The number of police officers killed in the line of duty is staggering. According to the Official National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund, in the last 10 years, a total of 1,511 law enforcement officers died in the line of duty, an average of one death every 58 hours or 151 per year. Murray hopes that this ride will influence people and highlight the importance of law enforcement.
Murray plans to continue to ride every year with his father to honor the great service his family and other families of officers have provided. “I am incredibly thankful for my dad being a police officer,” he said. “My father has made me into the man I am today, and I want to follow in his footsteps one day.” “I wish I could thank every service member personally but I feel that participating in this race is my way of giving back.”
The 14th Annual Cycle Across Illinois Benefiting IL COPS will take place Thursday, July 19 through Sunday, July 22 starting in Alton, IL and ending in the city of Chicago. The ride has become a journey filled with challenges and support. The survivors receive great inspiration from the fellow riders and supporters who have left their own families to help survivors.
To make a donation to Concerns of Police Survivors Illinois Chapter Click Here
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Kathleen E. Kennedy
Director of Communications