Township Officers to Ride with Unity Tour

Two officers from the will participate in the 2012 Police Unity Tour this May.

Sgt. Daniel Papa will make the tour for the sixth straight year. This year, he rides in honor of Sgt. James Chapin of Chattanooga, Tenn., who died on April 2, 2011 from a gunshot wound he received at the scene of an armed robbery. Chapin was a 27-year veteran of the police department and was survived by his wife and two children.

When he arrives in D.C., Papa will meet Chapin's family members and escort them to the candlelight vigil on May 13.

Patrolman David Schaffer will provide logistic support to those riding in the tour. This will be his fifth straight year participating in the tour.

The Police Unity Tour is a four-day bicycle ride from New Jersey to Washington, D.C. to raise awareness of the law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty. Funds raised from the tour support the National Law Enforcement Officer's Memorial and Museum in the nation's capitol.

Along with officers riding in honor of those killed in the line of duty, a cadre of logistical supporters also travel along the tour. These people offer water, medical attention to the bikers along the journey.

Every officer who rides in the event must raise $1,750 to offset trip expenses.

To make a tax-deductible donation, mail checks payable to the Police Unity Tour to the Chatham Township Police Department, 401 Southern Blvd., Chatham, NJ, 07928. Checks can be addressed to the attention of Papa or Schaffer.

The tour travels through during its first leg, and traffic along Main Street will be closed the morning of May 9 to make room for the tour.

to see coverage of the 2011 Police Unity Tour by Chatham Patch.