Greenfield Police Department chief Brian Hartman shakes the hand of one of the riders taking part in the event.
GREENFIELD — As soon as the group of riders representing the 21st annual Cops Cycling for Survivors bicycle ride across Indiana rolled into Greenfield Monday morning, rider Stacey Miller, hopped off her bike and immediately walked over to Carolyn Grass to say hello.
Grass, the wife of the Hancock County Sheriff’s Capt. Malcolm Grass who was shot and killed while assisting the FBI with an extortion case May 8, 1986, is one of three county families who have experienced an officer passing away while on duty. The memory of the officers is carried forward with events like the annual ride every summer.
“I’ve known this lady since I was in 4-H,” Miller said of Carolyn Grass.
The group of riders started the 13 day cycling event Monday, July 11 in Indianapolis and traveled some 25 miles on route to Richmond before stopping at the Greenfield Police Department for a drink and restroom break.
While Miller, who lives in the county, does not work in law enforcement she was introduced to the ride 12 years ago and became a participant.
“I tried it and I was hooked,” Miller said.
She and other riders say they are dedicated to supporting the families of law enforcement officers who have fallen, something Carolyn Grass truly appreciates.
“The dedication of the riders is really something,” Carolyn Grass said. “You can’t explain how this feels and I wouldn’t miss being here for anything.”
Carolyn Grass was accompanied to the stop at the GPD by her son, Kerry Grass, a city of Greenfield councilman. In addition to the loss of Malcolm Grass, the county has also lost GPD officer William Edward Phillips, III who was hit while cycling and killed September 30, 2010 while HCSD Corporal Dannie R. Garrison suffered a heart attack and died following a single-car crash Jan. 1, 2000.
The event pays respect to Indiana’s fallen law enforcement heroes and lets their survivors know they and their loved ones are not forgotten. The motto of Cops Cycling for Survivors is, “Riding to Remember,” as each year the group works to honor officers killed in the line of duty throughout Indiana’s history.
The Cops Cycling for Survivors annual bike ride consists of active and retired police officers, law enforcement survivors, law enforcement family members and friends of law enforcement riding their bicycles around the perimeter of Indiana to raise funds and awareness of the sacrifices made by Hoosier law enforcement families across Indiana. Funds raised from this event are used to perpetuate the memories of officers killed in the line-of-duty and to aid surviving family members and co-workers of officers killed in the line-of-duty.
Chief of the GPD, Brian Hartman and several members of his staff along with many local residents and Mayor Chuck Fewell greeted the riders, who took a short break before heading on to Richmond.
“This is a great event, as it goes to show these officers and their legacy is never forgotten, nor are the families and friends they left behind,” Hartman said.
Hartman likes the fact the foundation, which supports the ride does great things with the donations they receive from the annual event. The funds are used for scholarships, camps, and several other events held in memory of the officers killed in the line of duty.
“This event along with all the other good things that come from it wouldn’t be possible without those willing to ride,” Hartman said.
The officers and people who support law enforcement train hard all year. Hartman noted the riders taking time out of their own lives and away from their own families to give back.
“They ride in all types of weather conditions, hot, humid, windy, rainy, sometimes even cold and never complain because this is bigger than them and this goes to show what kind of people they truly are,” Hartman said. “I commend them, they are amazing people and heroes in my book.”
Officials in Indianapolis held a departure ceremony at the Police and Fire Fighters Memorial on the capitol grounds in downtown Indianapolis. Cyclists depart shortly after comments by Vigo County Sheriff John Plasse.
While Cops Cycling for Survivors honors all Indiana’s line of duty death officers, this year’s ride pays special tribute to the eight officers who died in 2021: Lt. Eugene Lasco, Indiana Department of Correction, February 21, 2021; Reserve Deputy James Driver, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, March 29, 2021; Sergeant Thomas E. Sawyer, Hammond Police Department, June 17, 2021; Detective Greg Ferency, Terre Haute Police Department, July 7, 2021; Corporal Robert Wayne Nicholson, Clark County Sheriff’s Office, September 26, 2021; Reserve Deputy James R. Hirtzel, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, October 12, 2021; Town Marshal Anthony Wayne Hinshaw, Losantville Marshal’s Office, November 25, 2021; and, School Resource Officer John Davis Starks, Clark County Sheriff’s Office, December 8, 2021.
The ride is scheduled to conclude Saturday, July 23 at Crown Hill Cemetery, Heroes of Public Safety Section. The closing ceremony will begin at 2 p.m.
