America Legion Riders to Law Enforcement: Thank You!
DALTON, Mass. — The American Legion Riders hold two motorcycle runs every year to raise money to support veterans and have never had an accident.
Part of the reason is because law enforcement in a number of towns are there to perform traffic control, allowing the bikers to get through an intersection safety in under a minute. On Friday morning, the riders had a simple message to those officers: Thank you.
"During both rides we always receive the support of law enforcement for traffic control. It has greatly contributed to safe and successful rides. We have not had an accident on any of our rides in the history of our organization as a direct result," President Michael Lefebvre said.
"We wish to thank each and every officer, sheriff, state trooper of every town, city and village for the support we've received for the past 15 years."
The group held a law enforcement appreciation ceremony at the American Legion, presenting framed certificates to representatives from the departments who help them. Road Captain Neil Raymond said the organization chose to honor about a dozen departments — nine of which were able to send a representative.
"The idea was presented and unanimously voted in favor of the American Legion Riders. This is our way of saying thank you and special thanks for extending courtesy to us in our attempts to do our mission," Raymond said.
The organization raises money for a number of veterans' causes, participates in parades and escorts the remains of veterans to funerals. The group holds a ride on Memorial Day to raise money for a scholarship for students pursuing careers in law enforcement and another Freedom Ride to raise money for veterans.
"We have supported over the years and continue to support assistance to veterans in the community such as heating oil, clothing, handicapped ramps, wood for heating, funds for food pantries, the restoration of the monument at Park Square as well as the restoration of the war memorial on South Street in Pittsfield," Lefebvre said. "We have joined with other veterans groups in support of bringing the remains of World War 2 veterans to Pittsfield and escorting them to the final resting place."
This year is the first year of what Raymond envisions to be an annual event, possibly being tied in with National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day on Jan. 9. The idea came particularly from the series of national events in 2015 that brought focus on the small percentage of officers who abused power.
"Last year, 2015, was a trying time for law enforcement nationally. During those momentary times, some communities were being confronted with singular events that regrettably brought national attention. Unfortunately, in typical human fashion, some of those chose to prejudge and condemn all law enforcement in response to those events," Raymond said. "We know as a consequence your lives have not been made easier because of it."
Lefebvre said the American Legion Riders are not the "1 percenters," a term given to law-breaking, outlaw motorcycle groups, just as local law enforcement departments aren't the ones abusing power.
Raymond said the public may not think traffic control is "worthy of any special recognition" but that the work is incredibly important to what the group does. The support allows the motorcyclists to get through intersections quickly — allowing traffic to continue to flow — and safely.
Those recognized at the ceremony were: Sheriff Thomas Bowler and Investigator Jason Breault of the Berkshire County sheriff's department; Chief Susan Rathbun and Tyler Miller of the Hinsdale Police Department; Miller also represented the Becket Police Department; State Trooper Zachary Wood of Cheshire Barracks; State Police Lt. David Buell of the Lee Barracks; Chief Jeff Hewes and Officers Donna Hewes and Amy Wallace of the Goshen Police Department; Wallace also represented the Chesterfield Police Department; State Trooper Tim Stone of the Shelburne Barracks; and State Police Lt. Adam Hakkarainen of the Northampton Barracks.
Tags: american legion, law enforcement, motorcycle club, motorcycles, veterans, veterans organizations,
