A cavalcade of motorcycles, vintage Volkswagen Beetles and Jeeps paid tribute to police officers who gave their lives in service to the territory.
Saturday morning’s “Law Ride Out,” which began and ended at the Patrick Sweeney Police Headquarters, was the opening activity in the territory’s weeklong observance of National Police Week.
The annual weeklong Police Week events are organized by the Virgin Islands Police Department as a way for the officers, families and friends to reflect and highlight the brave police officers who died on the job.
Officer Theran Parris, coordinator of the Law Ride Out, said National Police Week helps build a rapport in the community and signals the importance of VIPD duties. He said the event is one of the ways of recognizing the officers who died serving the Virgin Islands.
“The morning bike ride is for all of the fallen officers,” Parris said.
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy declared May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the week in which that date falls as National Police Week.
Participants gathered with their motorcycles, cars and Jeeps at 9 a.m. to register. Parris gave all of the drivers the needed rules and regulations.
Around 10:30 a.m., the 37-rider motorcade wheeled out of the parking lot, their tailpipes echoing in harmony. They traveled west on the Melvin H. Evans Highway, straight to Frederiksted, swung back around to Christiansted and ended back at Patrick Sweeney Police Headquarters.
Hassini Abraham, whose brother drove in the Law Ride Out, came out to support the event. He said recently his friends and family spoke negatively about the VIPD because of the new police cars they received. Abraham said people seem to overlook the fact that officers are risking their lives on a daily basis for the community.
“They protect and serve,” Abraham said.
He said Colvin Georges is a perfect example of an officer who was committed to protecting and serving the V.I. community. Georges got shot in the line of duty and died from complication from his gunshot injury last year.
The event also had a mini-carnival for kids and families to enjoy themselves. The kids jumped on the bouncers and parents supervised them from afar.
A car show took place after the riders returned. The categories were best bike, Jeep and car, and winners took home trophies.
National Police Week continues Sunday morning with a church service at Violet Damidaux Pavilion.
The schedule of Police Week activities follow.
St. Croix Police District
Monday
Noon to 2 p.m. – Ann Schrader Command open house.
7 p.m. – Volleyball tournament at Central High gymnasium.
Tuesday
Noon to 2 p.m. – Anselmo Marshall Command open house.
6 p.m. – Volleyball at Central High gymnasium.
7 p.m. – Basketball tournament at Central High gymnasium.
Wednesday
8 a.m. – Graveside visitation. Motorcade begins at Christiansted Cemetery.
10 a.m. – Peace officer memorial at Violet Damidaux Pavilion.
5 p.m. – Installation of the Cuthbert Chapman plaque on the Frederiksted substation.
5:30 p.m. – Vigil at Ann Abramson Pier, Frederiksted.
7 to 9 p.m. – Governor’s reception at Government House.
Thursday
10 a.m. – Awards ceremony at Cpl. Violet Damidaux Pavilion.
2 to 4 p.m. – Special Operations Bureau/Marine Unit open house.
7 p.m. – Softball tournament at Pedro Cruz Ballpark in Estate Profit.
Friday
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Wilbur Francis Command open house.
8 p.m. – Masquerade ball at the D.C. Canegata Community Center.
Saturday, May 18
6 a.m. – VIPD Triathlon starts at Salt River, finishes at VIALCO.
Noon – Pig roast at the Christiansted Lagoon Pavilion.
Sunday, May 19
9 a.m. – VIPD golf tournament at Carambola.
St. Thomas/St. John District
Sunday
8:30 a.m. – Church service at St. Andrew’s Church, followed by brunch at 11:30 a.m. at the Alexander A. Farrelly Justice Center courtyard.
1 p.m. – Visiting grave sites of all fallen officers and laying of a flower on the graves.
Monday
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Open house/Customer Appreciation Day at Zones A, B, C and D police stations.
6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. – Governor’s reception at Catherineberg.
Tuesday
9 to 11 a.m. – School visit at Julius Sprauve School, St. John, including demonstration and safety tips of K9, fire rescue and crime prevention, and an appearance by mascots.
Wednesday
9 to 11 a.m. – School visit at E. Benjamin Oliver Elementary School, including demonstration and safety tips of K9, fire rescue and crime prevention, and an appearance by mascots.
12:45 – 2 p.m. – School visit at Lockhart Elementary School, including demonstration and safety tips of K9, fire rescue and crime prevention, and an appearance by mascots.
6:30 pm – Vigil and laying of memorial wreath at Alexander A. Farrelly Justice Center courtyard.
Thursday
6 p.m. – Sports and fun night softball and basketball games at Emile Griffith Ballpark.
7 p.m. – Domino tournament at Emile Griffith Ballpark.
Friday
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Civilian fun day at Magens Bay Beach.
7 p.m. – Awards ceremony at the Leonard B. Francis National Guard Armory.
