Hundreds ride to support fallen officers

C.J. Lin
LA Daily News
Aug 29, 2010

With a deafening rumble, hundreds of riders kicked off a polished chrome and leather boot parade on wheels Saturday to raise thousands of dollars for fallen police officers.

Freeways and streets around the Valley, Malibu and Hollywood were temporarily shut down and traffic backed up as the 3rd annual West Valley Memorial Ride roared through to raise money to honor fallen Los Angeles officers and support their families.

About 500 motorcycles initially formed a 7-mile long procession escorted by police, although some reports indicated that hundreds more joined in spontaneously along the 56-mile route.

The parade, which took at least 10 minutes to pass, raised cheers from bystanders and so far, about $25,000 for monuments to officers killed in the line of duty, and support for families of fallen officers.

The event has grown by the hundreds every year since it started in 2008, and organizers were forced to cap the registration.

"It's gone from small beginnings to being the most sought-after ride on the West Coast," said Sgt. John Ficken, a motorcop from LAPD's West Traffic Division who was part of the police escort. "We love it. Everybody who's here shares our love of motorcycles. These are all our fans. They're here because they believe in the cause and because they want to go for a ride and make some friends."

For some, there was also the thrill of cruising along without traffic on streets and freeways that are normally jammed with cars.

Riders' boots lifted from the ground at LAPD's West Valley station in Reseda and didn't have to touch ground again until they arrived at Paramount Studios in Hollywood, after cruising west on the 101 freeway, then down Malibu Canyon and Pacific Coast Highway.

"You feel like a rock star," said Cindy Barrett of Chatsworth. "People waving at you everywhere, stopping on the sidewalks. All you can see are bikes for miles. It's amazing."

Even those who have tangled with the law showed up in support of the officers.

Jeremiah Gerbracht, a Woodland Hills resident, said he has received numerous tickets because his passenger is Sir Davidson - a two-year-old American white shepherd who rides crouched on the gas tank in front of his owner.

"I love it," said Gerbracht, who managed to beat the tickets in court. "Because I fight back, I've got the respect and admiration of the police department."

Whether true or not, police organizers asked Gerbracht to bring up the rear - partly because of safety concerns for the dog and also to serve as what Gerbracht calls "the grand finale."

It seemed to be the right move - children along the route cheered and waved and snapped pictures of the motoring pooch.

Funds raised benefit the Randal D. Simmons Outreach Foundation, the Los Angeles Police Memorial Foundation, and the West Valley B.O.O.S.T.E.R.S., a support group which provides materials, equipment, training and morale-building programs.

Simmons was LAPD's first SWAT officer killed in the line of duty. He died Feb. 6, 2008 after being shot during an armed standoff in Winnetka. His wife, Lisa Simmons, established the foundation to provide community support through economic development, education, health and wellness and global outreach.

"I'm still trying to carry on my late husband's legacy, and it takes funds," Lisa Simmons said as she thanked the crowd.

Donations can be sent to West Valley B.O.O.S.T.E.R.S., 19020 Vanowen St., Reseda, CA, 91335