By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
The Westfield PBA sent a team to ride in the Police Unity Tour held May 9 to 12, 2018.
The Westfield PBA Cycling Team consisted of two riders this year, Officer Elizabeth Savnik, Rider and Captain of the team, and Officer William Kleeman. Offering support to the team were Tammy Kleeman and Dominick Sandelli.
The Police Unity Tour is a four-day, 320-mile bicycle ride from Northern New Jersey to the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial in Washington, D.C. The purpose of the tour is to raise awareness of law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty, and to raise funds for the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial and Museum.
“It’s an experience that’s indescribable,” Savnik said. “Especially when you’re riding in and you see the faces of loved ones who lost family members. It makes me tear up.”
The Police Unity Tour was first organized in May 1997 by Officer Patrick P. Montuore of Florham Park Police Department.
What began with 18 riders on a four-day fundraising bicycle ride from Florham Park, New Jersey, to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. has grown into nine chapters, consisting of nearly 2500 members nationwide who make the trip annually.
The original/founding chapter of the Police Unity Tour, Chapter 1, is still based in Florham Park, where Pat Montuore retired as the Chief of Police.
Although based in New Jersey, members from other states, and even other counties, are welcome. The Police Unity Tour has members in over 40 states, and in Australia, England, Israel, Italy, India, and Canada.
Nevertheless, Savnik stresses that more officers need to participate, and that the information needs to get out there so more people are aware. Savnik has been a police officer for eight years.
“It’s something I always wanted to do,” she said. “I always wanted to do something that was a way to give back and help people. The point of being here on this earth is to help others and to give back.”
For more information on the Police Unity Tour, visit: policeunitytour.com.
For more information on the Westfield PBA Cycling Team or to donate, visit: westfieldpbacyclingteam.com.
Westfield PBA Raise Awareness Riding in Police Unity Tour
Photos curtesy of the Westfield Police Department.
