Crime & Safety

Riverton Cop From West Deptford Hopes to Ride in Unity Tour For Second Straight Year

Patrolman Jeff Walker, of West Deptford, is currently raising money to participate in the ride, which honors officers who have fallen in the line of duty.

A Riverton Police Officer from West Deptford hopes to once again ride in the Police Unity Tour.

Patrolman Jeffrey Walker, an officer with the department for six years, participated in the ride for the first time last year. He hopes to participate again when the four-day, 300-mile bike ride from southern New Jersey to Washington, D.C. begins May 9.

He has been approaching local businesses for support recently, and must raise a minimum of $1,800 to participate in the ride.

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The ride honors law enforcement officers who have lost their life in the line of duty. Riverton police officer Thomas Whitelock died in the line of duty in 1976 while he and Palmyra Lt. Howard Norcross responded to a call in Riverton.

Whitelock was struck after he jumped in front of Norcross when the suspect opened fire.

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His name is engraved on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington D.C. Proceeds from the ride benefit the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund and the memorial in D.C., which was founded in 1983 by members of the United States Congress.

The Police Unity Tour is a non-profit organization. Its motto is “We Ride for Those Who Died.”

Anyone who wishes to contribute can do so by dropping off their donation at the Riverton Police Station or sent to the Riverton Police Association, Att: Ptl. Walker, 501 Fifth Street, Riverton, NJ, 08077.

All donations are tax deductible, and must be received by April 1.


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