"We Ride For Those Who Died" - The Story of the Police Unity Tour
The Police Unity Tour began with just 18 riders in 1997. This year, it's grown to over 2,000 participants who bike 300 miles to honor law enforcement's fallen heroes.
McLean, VA (May 12, 2025) - In 1997, a group of 18 law enforcement officers participated in a 300-mile bicycle ride from New Jersey to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., to honor the policing profession’s fallen heroes. Amazingly, this annual event has grown to over 2,000 law enforcement officers and survivors of the fallen and they have raised more than $40 million to support the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. They call it the Police Unity Tour and their motto is: “We Ride For Those Who Died.”
In the latest episode of the “Heroes Behind the Badge” podcast, the founder and CEO of the Police Unity Tour, retired Florham Park, New Jersey police chief Pat Montuore, shares the inspiring story of how one man’s vision has become an international phenomenon. You can view the video version of the interview at:
An audio version of this podcast is available at HeroesBehindtheBadgePodcast.org or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other major platforms. Just search for the “Heroes Behind the Badge” podcast.
KEY MOMENTS:
[00:02:40] How the Police Unity Tour began in 1997.
[00:15:30] The emotional connection riders make with survivors.
[00:24:17] The memorial bracelet tradition honoring fallen officers.
[00:27:27] How the tour expanded internationally.
[00:32:27] Pat's life-changing heart attack during the Israel Police Unity Tour.
[00:36:55] Citizens line the route waving American flags to show their support.
You can learn more about the Police Unity Tour by visiting PoliceUnityTour.com.
About “Heroes Behind the Badge” Podcast
“Heroes Behind the Badge” is a podcast produced by Citizens Behind the Badge (BehindBadge.org), a national nonprofit organization supporting law enforcement. The podcast aims to bridge the gap between public perception and police reality, providing an up close and personal glimpse at the true heroes behind the badge. Video versions of the podcast can be found at: youtube.com/CitizensBehindTheBadge. Audio versions are available at HeroesBehindtheBadgePodcast.org or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other major platforms.