The crowd huddled around a police cruiser, their heads bowed as they listened to the words of prayer that echoed out of the vehicle’s public address system.
They prayed for safety during the journey they were about to take. And they gave thanks for the cloudless, dry Saturday morning on which they were taking it.
Finally, as the prayer ended, the crowd said in unison, “Amen.” Moments later, the sound of more than 500 firing motorcycle engines muffled out the jovial chatter that continued as the ride began.
That scene took place Saturday morning at IU Southeast — the starting point for a 120-mile bike ride benefiting Floyd County Sheriff’s Department Officer Joel White and the family of Officer Frank Denzinger. The officers were shot last month by 15-year-old Tyler Dumstorf, according to police. White was severely injured and Denzinger was killed during the attack. Dumstorf took his own life after shooting the officers.
“To us, it’s just a way to pay tribute,” said Mike Crump, a member of the Blue Knights, an international organization for law enforcement men and women who ride motorcycles. As a member of that and other organizations, he helped recruit bikers to the event. Many came from the Clark and Floyd counties and the surrounding area, he said.
Paula Montgomery, one of the motorcyclists attending the ride, said she was there “to take a moment of recognition of what police officers do for us.”
Robert Barrow said as a 22-year Army veteran he’s “always supported police.”
Though no final tally of bikers was known, officials estimated about 500 or more were there about 15 minutes before the ride started. Organizer Jason Kahl said he was happy with the turnout early that morning.
Riders were required to pony up at minimum a $25 donation to the fund, but many gave more, including at least one $1,000 donation.
“Every penny we raise is going to the families,” Kahl said.
Saturday’s ride traversed Southern Indiana. From the New Albany starting point, the group planned to travel to Georgetown, French Lick and through Paoli, before concluding in Salem, making a series of stops along the way.
Participants tied a blue ribbon to their bikes, not only as a means of recognizing fellow group members, but also to symbolize the memorial aspect of the ride. Police escorts were scheduled to help the group through many of the intersections in the towns they rode through.
It was unknown at press time how much money the event raised.
Recent Local News
Related Photos
Discussion
Two-wheeled tribute for officers
- Recent Local News
-
-
Georgetown spelunker died of self-inflicted gunshot
Crawford County Coroner Chris Brown said he agreed with the pathologist’s finding that Eve died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to a statement released Tuesday morning by the Department of Natural Resources.
-
Greenville town manager hired, incensing silenced crowd
Richardson threatened to have the town marshal clear the gym, but decided against it.
“I am asking people out there to stay out of it. This has nothing to do with you. You elected us to represent you.”
But that only go the crowd more incensed.
“You ought to be run out of town Talbotte,” yelled one resident. -
Half of Jeffersonville Fire Department overtime budget already gone
During the closing moments of the meeting Councilman Matt Owen said he was shocked by Mayor Moore’s plans and comments pertaining to two Jeffersonville Parks and Recreation Department matters reported in the News and Tribune during the last week.
-
Charlestown resident makes appeal for filtration plant
“I understand that manganese is a secondary contaminant and it’s not something that’s necessarily harmful to health,” Burchett said. “I would much prefer that the water that comes into my home have as little manganese in it as possible, as well as anything else. I just want water.”
-
New Albany council opposes two low-income developments
Councilman Greg Phipps said the measure was changed because there could be “some legal issues” with the way it was originally written. He said regardless, such a resolution that targets low-income developments intimates underlying stereotypes to the community even if it’s not the intention of those who supported the measure.
- News and Tribune briefs for Feb. 7, 2012
-
Students get time out for good behavior
-
Student sues to wear breast cancer bracelet
An Indiana eighth-grader sued his school district in federal court Monday for the right to wear a bracelet promoting breast cancer awareness with the message “I (heart) Boobies.”
-
New Albany house destroyed by fire
The fire department arrived within six minutes, but the fire had already made its way out of the garage and across the attic. The homeowners heard explosions from the garage area.
-
Elderly man robbed outside Jeffersonville bank
The man returned to his car and sat down to close the car door when Williams grabbed the door and reached inside the vehicle, Hollis said.
-
Body found in cave may be missing Georgetown man
Conservation Officer Jeff Milner said they believe it is Eve based on evidence found at the scene.
-
A fair fee? Indiana imposing fees for 4-H participants for the first time
Allen said his hope is the fee being charged by the state and the county will be enough to cover costs and that 4-H members will not be asked to cover any more expenses.
“They have never had to pay a program fee,” Allen said. -
Council considers opposing low-income developments
Councilman John Gonder said he supports a system that would allow the city to cap sewer credits for low-income housing and give preference to the New Albany Housing Authority.
He conceded his wife does sit on the housing authority board, but believes the city should give favor to the entity when it comes to low-income lodging because it has to meet federal guidelines. - News and Tribune briefs for Feb. 6, 2012
-
New Albany ‘in the process of deciding’ riverfront schedule
Several parties have expressed interest in helping with planning events and Gahan said “I want to encourage” an inclusive group to manage the program. He added his administration wants to press for more shows at the downtown farmers’ market stage off Market Street as well.
- More Recent Local News Headlines
-
