Seven officers from the Mantua police department participated in the police unity tour, a bike ride to Washington D.C., that took place from May 8 to May 14 to honor officers who’ve fallen in the line duty.
Officers Drew Smick, Andrew Glaser and Tyler Robertson, Det. Jeff Krieger, investigator Alex Stewart, Det. Greg Sweeney and Lt. Brian Hauss represented Mantua on the ride. They were among thousands of riders whose destination was the National Law Enforcement Memorial in the nation’s capital.
The tour’s motto is, “We ride for those who have died”.
“The tour is a powerful tribute to law-enforcement officers who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice,” Hauss said, “and I was honored to take part in it.”
The bike ride itself covered about 300 miles. Mantua officers rode with the second chapter of the tour, a group comprised of law enforcement from across Gloucester, Salem, Burlington, Camden and Atlantic counties. The tour’s participants and supporters represented eight chapters across the country who departed from various East Coast locations for the ride.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to the members of Team Mantua as they represent our department, as well as the residents of Mantua and Wenonah, while honoring their fallen brothers and sisters,” a department statement said.
The tour culminates with a candlelight vigil at the memorial, a moment to pay tribute to the officers whose names are etched on the D.C. memorial.
“It’s one of the most profound and heartbreaking events I’ve ever been a part of, a time to reflect, remember and honor those who are no longer with us,” Hauss explained. “One of the most sobering aspects of the tour is meeting the survivors, the family members and loved ones of officers who lost their lives in the line of duty during the past year.
“Their presence is a poignant reminder of why we ride.”
The police memorial has its own fund for which the tour helps raise money. Proceeds fund a visiting center and museum that conducts events, recognizes the anniversaries of officer deaths, maintains the memorial and promotes the memorial as a tourist attraction.
Mantua police officers arrive in Washington, D.C., as part of the police unity tour to honor the officers that have fallen in the line of duty.
