Group makes annual visit at WVCF during memorial ride

Press Release

CARLISLE – Today, Wabash Valley Correctional Facility (WVCF) hosted a ceremony for Indiana law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.  The ceremony was conducted by a non-profit organization called Cops Cycling for Survivors.  The group is comprised of law enforcement personnel and members of the community who have joined together to ensure those who gave the ultimate sacrifice are never forgotten. 

The annual ride is 13 days long with each stop memorializing fallen officers.  The stories share the heartbreaking account of how each fallen officer lost their life.  Madison Unit Team Manager Tammy Mark was one of this year’s riders. Tammy was formerly a Casework Manager at WVCF.  As such, she read the memorial page for Officer Tim Betts who lost his life in the line of duty at WVCF in August of 2012.  The family of Officer Betts was present at the ceremony and expressed their appreciation for what the organization does every year to remember their lost loved one. 

When interviewed, Rider Nathan Peach of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department said he first got involved with the organization following the death of one of their own.  Deputy Sarah Jones lost her life in the line of duty in October of 2008.  Peach, then a fairly new comer to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department, said he remembered hearing about the group following Deputy Jones’ death.  Later in 2014 Peach decided to join the group for the last day of their ride.  He said, “One day was enough for me to know the ride was something I wanted to be a part of in the future.  The impact on the survivors knowing their loss will always be remembered was something I feel survivors need to know.”

Peach said the riders have a quote they focus on when their bodies are sore and tired.  “The pain you feel riding your bike doesn’t compare to the pain the survivors feel for a lifetime.”  He continued, “Reality is what pushes us on.”
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The ride will conclude with the reading of the memorial pages for each person buried in the Heroes of Public Safety Section in the Crownhill Cemetery on July 20th, 2019.