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Loading... Since 2009, Ride4Cops — the brainchild of former cop Harry Herington — has drawn attention to the ongoing needs of survivors by teaming up with local and state law enforcement to hold motorcycle rallies in 19 state capitals. Along the way, Herington has raised about $150,000 for C.O.P.S., a nonprofit that helps rebuild the lives of families and coworkers who are affected by the deaths of the approximately 130 law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty each year.
Herington, CEO of eGovernment firm NIC, Inc., formerly was a homicide detective in Midland, Texas, and a police officer in Wichita, Kansas. He understands from personal experience that an officer’s biggest concern isn’t so much being killed in the line of duty, but what will happen to his or her family if that occurs. He believed the best way he could help was to create Ride4Cops, which combines his respect for law enforcement and his love of motorcycles.
“Every police officer makes a promise,” Herington said. “You look at your buddy and say, ‘If something happens to me, take care of my family.’ And you promise to do the same for them. Creating Ride4Cops, which helps support families who’ve lost an officer in the line of duty, is one way I’m keeping that promise.”
In addition to his support of law enforcement through Ride4Cops, Herington recently made a personal contribution of $20,000 to the National Law Enforcement Memorial Museum now under construction in Washington D.C.
Herington’s goal is to hold a Ride4Cops event in every US capital city. Since Ride4Cops’ inception in 2009, thousands of bikers have ridden in events across the country. Herington held seven rallies this year.
“When I started Ride4Cops, I wasn’t prepared for the emotional response these meetings bring about,” Herington said. “The families’ gratitude is unbelievable. They want to talk about the officer they’ve lost, who he or she really was, with someone who’ll listen. I never leave until I’ve heard what every family member wants to tell me. And it’s so cool to see the public come up to cops and say, “Thank you for risking your life to protect us.’”
For more information, please visit www.ride4cops.com
