A national organization representing law enforcement officers is scheduled to undertake its annual memorial ride to honor police killed in the line of duty next month.

The 2008 Police Unity Tour is to begin May 9 in Jersey City, New Jersey, and end on May 12 at the National Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial in Washington, D.C.

In its 2007 ride, the organization raised $1.12 million for the National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund, bringing the group’s total contribution to the fund to $4.35 million. Participants in the ride have individually pledged to raise $1250, while support personnel have committed to raise at least $650.

One of those participating in the ride, Chattanooga, Tennessee, Police Sergeant Lee Robb, said his participation in the 2007 effort inspired him to take up the challenge again this year.

“The dedication displayed by the organization to the mission and tireless work necessary to bring this ride together is truly amazing,” Robb said. “The logistics required to support a group of 400 plus riders (food, lodging, medical needs, bike repairs, traffic control) and all the support personnel is a huge undertaking.”

“We had approximately 1000 police officers riding in the final group from the Pentagon,” he noted. “I have done many rides over the years but this ride is like no other.”

Robb recently got a boost from local bike manufacturer Lynskey Performance when the company donated the custom bike on which he plans to complete the trip.

For more information, visit www.policeunitytour.com