This past week Lieutenant Mike Lewis suited up once again to ride in honor of fallen police officers by participating in the Police Unity Tour.
As with last year, the normal annual 3-day ride, which typically ends in Washington, DC, was canceled due to COVID-19. But as with many things, the organizers and riders with the Florida chapter made some adjustments and were able to plan a ride here in our state. Riders set out from Tallahassee to Titusville.
Over three days, participants rode over 300 total miles stopping at law enforcement agencies along the way. Each was riding in memory of a fallen officer to honor their memory. For Lieutenant Lewis, two officers were with him in mind and heart, Officer Ken Foley and Motor Officer Paul Dunn.
Our agency lost Officer Ken Foley on December 4, 2019, after he was found unresponsive in his patrol vehicle while on duty. It is believed Officer Foley suffered a medical episode while on break in his patrol car. Ken was just 57 years old.
Just six weeks after losing Ken, Officer Paul Dunn was killed in an on-duty traffic crash on January 9, 2020, while driving his police motorcycle. Paul would have turned 52 last week. Lieutenant Lewis wore a memorial bracelet for both Paul and Ken throughout the ride, as did other riders with different fallen officer names.
Thank you to Lieutenant Lewis and all of the riders who participated in the 2021 Police Unity Tour.