This past Sunday, motorcycle riders from across the state participated in the 16th annual C.O.P.S. ride, which benefited the Maryland chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.). The Maryland chapter of C.O.P.S. is a non-profit organization that provides support and assistance to the family members of officers killed in the line of duty. Specifically, to those who served on a police department within the state of Maryland.
Members from the University of Maryland Police Department (UMPD) along with other Maryland Police agencies assisted with this special event that raised almost a $100,000 dollars that will go to helping the surviving family members who lost their loved one from a line of duty death. The success of this event would not be possible without the continued support from sponsors, volunteers, riders, and donations. However, remembrance and support doesn’t end with this event, but continues year round.
In May of this year, Corporal John Fitzgerald, a member of UMPD’s Explosives Detection K-9 unit, traveled over 250 miles on bicycle along with additional officers from various agencies during Police Week 2015. The Police Unity Tour ride honored officers who died in the line of duty and raised money for the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial and Museum.
Cpl. Fitzgerald along with members of Chapter 9 of the Police Unity Tour, began their journey on May 9, and departed from the Philadelphia area. Over 100 cyclists from Chapter 9 made their trek over the next four days, making pit stops to rest and fuel up, where they finally reached their final destination; the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial in downtown Washington D.C. on May 12, 2015. In total, the ride, which consists of multiple chapters, raised over 1.9 million dollars for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and Museum this year.
Though it wasn’t a requirement, Cpl. Fitzgerald rode in memory of a fallen Police Officer Michael S. Nickerson, who would have been 40 years old this year and served with the Centreville Police Department. Unfortunately, his tour of duty came to an abrupt end on February 13, 2001. Cpl. Fitzgerald rode his bike those four days with a picture of Officer Nickerson on front of his bike. Always remembering his fallen brother but never forgetting the ultimate sacrifice he made that day. If there was one word Cpl. Fitzgerald used to describe his ride, it’s that is was “Humbling.” Coupling his passion for fitness, cycling and his profession, Cpl. Fitzgerald explained, “I’m a police officer and I can honor those who gave everything and humbling experience the appreciation the survivors have for us and what better way than cycling and that (police work).”
Officer Nickerson graduated from UMPD’s Police Academy, Session XV in 1997, where upon graduation he reported to his home agency at Centreville PD and served his community until his untimely death. Inside our Police Academy building a plaque is posted in memorial that not only Cpl. Fitzgerald sees everyday but every officer and visitor that enters our building sees. Our building which is dedicated in honor of Officer Nickerson, the plaque displays a picture of the young officer, smiling. A memorial that serves as a constant reminder for Cpl. Fitzgerald when he comes in early to work out before shift and is tired. He sees that plaque outside his office door, that young officer greeting him with a smile and saying to him, “What’s your excuse? Get it done.” A constant reminder of never knowing what is going to happen next and to be prepared. As for Cpl. Fitzgerald he will continue to ride in the Police Unity Tour every year, because to him, and like so many that share his passion, it’s worth it.
Unfortunately, Officer Nickerson’s death is just one of too many that is killed in the line of duty. As mother of slain Officer Nickerson and President of the Maryland Chapter of C.O.P.S., Sue Nickerson knows this feeling all too well. But one thing is for certain, that it’s important to remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice, but equally as important is to take care of the families that lost their love one.
If you would like to learn more about these organizations and how you can help make a difference, please visit:
National Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) - http://www.nationalcops.org/
Maryland Chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) - http://mdcops.org/
Police Unity Tour - http://policeunitytour.com/
National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial and Museum - http://www.nleomf.org/
Police Unity Tour: Chapter IX - http://www.policeunitytourchapter9.com/
Cpl. Fitzgerald with Sue Nickerson, mother of fallen Police Officer Nickerson
and Chapter President of MD C.O.P.S.
.jpg)
Cpl. Fitzgerald during the Police Unity Tour Ride
###