HENRICO, Va (WTVR) - A group of police officers from across the country received a special welcome at Virginia State Police headquarters today.
The brief stop is part of a weeks-long bicycle trip for hundreds of police officers honoring their fallen brethren. The Law Enforcement United riders began their journey in Florida two weeks ago, with the end goal of making their way to the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington D.C.
The group says they're goal is to mission to honor the service and sacrifice of all law enforcement officers that have died in the line of duty and support the survivors left behind.
When they rode into the First Division Headquarters today they were greeted by local law enforcement and area elementary schoolers waving signs of support.
This was only a short stop for the more than 300 officers participating in the trek. While resting, a brief presentation was given on the lives of two Henrico officers who died in the line of duty: Andre Booker and Todd Blanton.
Henrico County Police Officer Sung Jung is participating in the ride. He says the trip has been hard at times, but rewarding.
"It's been emotional already meeting some of the family members," Sung said. "We're doing this for them, but they're so grateful see to us."
"It's a two way street, and we're trying to bond with the families. It's really really touching."
The group is set to arrive in D.C. on Saturday, National Police Officers Memorial Day. A welcoming ceremony will be held at the White House Ellipse Park at around 3:00 PM.
Since 2010, Law Enforcement United has raised $245,000 for Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) Kids Camp and $75,000 for Officer Down Memorial Page.
