Police Unity Tour Fundraiser
Category: News Release
Dec 6th, 2023 by sworrall
Modified Dec 6th, 2023 at 12:41 PM
My name is Scott Thiede and I am a retired law enforcement officer of almost 31 years. I spent 26 years with the Wisconsin State Patrol and was assigned to the Motor Unit for the last 10 years. During my time as a Motor, I was twice selected to participate as an Escort Motor for National Police Week in Washington, D.C. Our duties were to escort the families of Officers killed in the line of duty to hotels and ceremonies. This particular duty was life-changing to say the least. I was humbled to be selected and to serve these families in their time of loss. They looked at it completely differently and were humbled that I was there to serve them. After retiring, I wanted to find a way to participate in the National Police Week activities even though I was no longer able to perform the escort duties I loved so much.
In 2022, I started bicycling for fitness reasons. I was encouraged to join the Police Unity Tour (PUT) at the urging of fellow members and co-workers as a way to again participate in the National Police Week ceremonies. Our PUT chapter, Chapter 9, bikes from Valley Forge, PA to Washington, D.C, a total of 270 miles in 4 days. In Washington we meet up with the other chapters and ride the final leg to the National Law Enforcement Memorial one group. We are honored to ride through the Memorial, surrounded by citizens and families there for ceremonies, letting them know that we will never forget their fallen family members. Our group last year totaled approximately 2200 riders through the Memorial.
PUT is a national organization started in 1997, by Off. Patrick Montuore of the Florham Park Police Department, NJ. PUT was started to bring awareness to Law Enforcement Officers killed in the line of duty. Funds raised are donated to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund and in turn support the National Law Enforcement Memorial and the National Law Enforcement Museum in Washington, D.C. Last year’s ride donation was 2 million dollars, bringing our total donations since inception to more than 35 million dollars.
As part of the participation in the tour, each person is required to raise a minimum amount of donations. This is a yearly requirement for each year they participate. I plan to participate as long as you continue to support me. The easiest way to donate is by sending a check:
Police Unity Tour Chapter 9 PO Box 381
Hockessin, DE 19707
*** Be sure to include my name on your check ***
Your donation is tax deductible. Keep a copy of your check and use tax ID number 35-2423027.
Our travel expenses are on our own and are not taken out of your donation funds.
Should you want more information on the PUT, Chapter 9 or additional donation instructions please see Police Unity Tour Chapter 9 website at https://policeunitytourchapter9.wildapricot.org.
This year Wisconsin riders will be riding for, as of December, four fallen Wisconsin officers.
Officer Peter EC Jerving, Milwaukee P.D. Officer Hunter Timothy Scheel, Cameron P.D. Officer Emily Ann Breidenbach, Chetek P.D. Deputy Katie Leising, St. Croix County S.O.
In addition I will also be riding for one historical officer, my friend Dep. Richard A. Weinke, Sauk County S.O., on the 25th anniversary of his passing.
Thank you in advance for any donation you may consider making.