FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Monique
Bond
July 27, 2011 Public
Information Office
312-814-8367
www.isp.state.il.us
TDD:
1-800-255-3323
Illinois State Police Heritage Foundation Host Fourth Annual Motorcycle and
Fun Car Run Ride to Remember Fallen Officers
Riders Travel Route 66 to Raise Funds for Memorial Park
SPRINGFIELD—Scores of officers, their families, friends, and supporters
will gather in Downer's Grove, Dwight, Bloomington, Champaign-Urbana, Metro
East, and Carlinville to ride together to honor the fallen and raise funds
for the State Police Memorial Park.
The Motorcycle and Fun Ride roll call starts on Saturday, July 30, and
riders are expected to gather throughout the state of Illinois for a
memorial ride to raise funds for the Illinois State Police (ISP) Memorial
Park.
ISP Director Hiram Grau will greet the riders before the 9:30 a.m.
departure at ISP District 15, 2700 Ogden Avenue in Downer's Grove, and 1st
Deputy Director Jack Garcia will lead the Motorcycle and Fun Car Run from
Downer's Grove to the FOP Lodge in Springfield.
Rain or shine, the police-escorted riders will leave from several locations
around the state and make its final stop at the ISP FOP Lodge 41 in
Springfield. Riders will also be escorted by "Rescue Riders" who are
medical professionals and first responders riding alongside to handle any
unexpected medical emergencies.
Since the 1.5 acre park was donated to the Illinois State Police in
September of 2007, plans have been underway to build a memorial dedicated
to honoring the lives and memories of the fallen heroes of the ISP. More
than 60 ISP officers have given the ultimate sacrifice to protect the
citizens of Illinois. The new memorial, when constructed, will serve as a
place of consolation and comfort for those who have lost a family member or
friend. It will also serve as a public gathering to remember the fallen
heroes.
The memorial focuses on three core values and the honor associated with
these values. The theme features a sequence of experiences which gives the
visitor a glimpse into the path of service of an ISP Officer. "Having
dedicated a career of more than 30 years in law enforcement, I can think of
no other cause more important than supporting a memorial park to honor our
uniformed heroes who risk their lives with integrity, service, and pride,"
said ISP Director Hiram Grau.
"This ride honors their commitment to service and the families who stand
beside them knowing they have made the ultimate sacrifice," Grau added.
Last year, 14 specialty baskets were donated by work units within the ISP
organization to support the fund-raising efforts. More than $5,000 was
raised and the fund-raising committee expects to double its efforts this
year. So far, 31 specialty baskets filled with a variety of unique and
assorted gift items have been donated.
"The Illinois State Police Memorial Foundation has done a great job raising
funds for this memorial, and our Annual Motorcycle and Fun Car Ride
encourages everyone to get involved and have fun for an honorable cause,"
said 1st Deputy Director Jack Garcia, who also serves as an ISP Memorial
Committee Co-Chair. "Once completed, this memorial and park will serve as
a tribute to every Illinois State Police fallen officer, and to those who
carry on the fine tradition of service each and every day," Garcia added.
After the memorial is paid for, the foundation will shift its mission and
raise money to cover the costs of medical bills and other needs of officers
who receive catastrophic injuries on the job.
The memorial was designed by Knight Engineers & Architects in collaboration
with the Illinois State Police and Illinois State Police Heritage
Foundation.
Riders can still register on line at http://ispmp2011.eventbrite.com All
proceeds will benefit the Illinois State Police Memorial Park.
Those interested in contributing can find out more about the memorial and
the foundation at www.ISPHF.org or call 217 525-1922.
