MUSKEGON COUNTY, Mich. — On Monday, police officers and family members of fallen officers started their journey to take part in the sixth annual Thin Blue Shoreline Memorial Ride. Forty two riders started Monday morning in Berrien County on their four day, 360-mile journey.
Andrea Arrington is the sister of a fallen officer and told 13 ON YOUR SIDE that this week's ride means everything to her.
"This ride means the world to not only me, but all of the riders," said Arrington.
The group started this journey to honor Michigan officers killed in the line of duty.
"Our main goal is to make sure no police officer has ever forgotten. That's why all of these people ride. They're mostly law enforcement officers. We have, I believe, three survivors riding and one survivor on support," said Arrington.
The Thin Blue Shoreline Memorial started six years ago and is organized by the Michigan Police Unity Team. The team is comprised of more than 50 law enforcement officers from local, state and federal agencies. Forty-two cyclists took off from Berrien County Monday morning including Lieutenant Adrian Ojerio, who said he's happy to ride for a good cause.
"It's a wonderful career, but there are struggles that come with the career, and this is just a healing opportunity for officers and family members to kind of come out and build that unity with each other," said Ojerio.
The ride is also a fundraiser and over the last five years, the Michigan Police Unity Team has donated $113,000 dollars to several organizations which provide support to surviving law enforcement families and co-workers. This year's memorial ride goes on until Thursday with its final stop in Petoskey.
Lieutenant Ojerio said he's excited for the next few days and is looking forward most to seeing the people in various Michigan communities.
"People are honking and waving and cheering us on throughout the ride, and that goes on. They went on all four days last year and went on a lot today. We can't do this without this community support as well," said Ojerio.