Sunday's crisp autumn day was perfect for a motorcycle ride but the hundreds of bikers who left from the Coventry Mall weren't riding to enjoy the weather.
The 8th annual Fallen Officer's Run is sponsored by the Montgomery County Blue Knights and this year's run had record participation.
Members of the law enforcement and public safety communities dedicated the ride to Plymouth Township Officer Brad Fox. Officer Fox was shot and killed in the line of duty on Sept. 13.
"It really hits home this year. It was a sad and unfortunate event but this year it is special, it brings it home," said Oscar Horjeckyj.
Among the riders was Plymouth Township Chief Joe Lawrence, who said he knows his department and the Fox family appreciate this show of support.
"You know it's heartfelt and the support it's overwhelming. We're thankful that the community can come together," said Chief Lawrence.
The ride aims to raise money for a yet-to-be-chosen charity. Organizers also hope the site of all the police officers, firefighters and their supporters will raise public awareness of the challenges public safety personnel face every day.
"What the police officer has to do every day of the week, whether they're ever going to come home or not, we don't know that," said Bud Dinnell, Montgomery County Blue Knights.
Officer Fox's widow was also among the attendees at Sunday's event. On Saturday she learned that the police community will pay for the college education of her daughter and unborn child.
The culmination of events over the weekend were a clear indication of how police officers and fellow public safety personnel pull together to support one of their own.
