Lawrence Police to Honor Fallen Officers in Annual Unity Tour

Every year U.S. law enforcement officers are killed in the line of duty. These fallen heroes leave behind husbands, wives, children, family and friends. They have paid the ultimate sacrific while protecting and serving the public.

Each year during National Law Enforcement Officers Week in May, more than 100,000 law enforcement officers ride bicycles from North Hanover, NJ to the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington DC. The Police Unity Tour raises awareness of fallen law enforcement officers. The ride also raises funds for the National Law Enforcement Officer's Memorial and Museum in Washington. 

The Lawrence Township Police Unity Tour Team will have the honor of riding for the fifth year for this great cause. The Tour leaves New Jersey on May 9, 2013 and arrives in Washington DC on May 12, 2013.  

2013 Lawrence Police Unity Tour Team includes Sgt. Christopher Longo, Sgt. Joseph Lech IV, Retired Off. Edward Budzinski, Ptl. Thomas Everist, Ptl. Suzane Girard, Ptl. Sean Kerins and Ptl. Kelly Longo. 

This year the Lawrence Police Unity Tour Team will ride in honor and memory of Pennsylvania State Police Trooper First Class Blake T. Coble. 

Trooper Coble, 47, was killed when his patrol car collided with a tractor trailer at the intersection of SR 168 and Blackhawk Road in South Beaver Township, Beaver County, at approximately 10 a.m. on Oct. 4, 2012. The tractor trailer was speeding and ran a stop sign. 

Trooper Coble, who was preparing for retirement, had served with the Pennsylvania State Police for 24 years and was assigned to Troop D, Beaver Station. He is survived by his wife and two children. His wife serves as a dispatcher for the agency.

There are several ways to support the Lawrence Police Unity team. 

• Follow the team on Facebook. 
• Make a donation by clicking this link. 
• On April 27 at the American Legion Post 458 at the Brunswick Circle, Trenton, Team Lawrence will host its annual fundrasier beginning at 3:30pm.  A $15 donation includes food, beverage and music. There will also be food, a 50/50 raffle, shirts and prizes. 
• The Police Unity Tour will be travel through Mercer County on May 10 along Route 130. Come out and show your support for the team on that day.