White Plains PBA Holds Fundraiser for Bike Ride

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. -- The White Plains Police Benevolent Association (PBA) gathered at the Porter House Thursday night for a fundraiser to support the Police Unity Tour.

The Police Unity Tour is a bicycle ride where police officers travel to Washington, D.C. to honor their fallen comrades. Chapter 37, which the White Plains PBA is a part of, departs from the World Trade Center Memorial in New York City. The organization’s motto states “We ride for those who died.” According to White Plains PBA President Rob Riley, the organization got involved with the event last year to honor Det. Michael Perry who was killed in the line of duty in 2010.

“This is a way to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice doing what we do,” Riley said. “As long as a hero is remembered they are never forgotten. When I saw all of the bicycles riding in together (last year) I got tears in my eyes. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the crowd.”

Det. Brian Robbins and Det. Bryan Hembury rode down to Washington last year and are ready to do it again in 2012. Robbins described the trip down the eastern seaboard of the United States as “emotional” and “adrenaline-filled.”

“I can’t put into words the feeling you get when you see police officers together from all around the country to honor our heroes,” Robbins said. “Our Chapter Board Member Brian Donnelly always said that it is not about us but the guys who died who can’t ride.”

Hembury departed from White Plains to meet other officers in New York City last year for the ride not knowing what to expect. What he found was an emotional environment, especially when he personally read Perry’s name to the crowd before the ride.

“I will do this every year until I retire,” Hembury said. “You get to meet other people along the way and hear their stories as well.”

The White Plains PBA would like to thank its sponsors including the Porter House, Fenway Golf Club, New England Sportswear and Target for their support. The bicycle ride will take place on May 9.

 

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