Current and former police enforcement officers, as well as friends and family, go on an annual bike ride throughout Indiana in tribute and support.
Cpl. Craig Jackson with the Jeffersonville Police Department has been a part of this journey since 2015.
“Over the 13 days of the ride, it’s usually around a thousand miles around the state of Indiana,” Jackson told me.
Jackson wonders about the survivors as he rides.
“They are in pain every day because their loved one is not here. So the anguish we experience for a day or 13 days is nothing compared to that,” he explained.
During the ride, the group paused to pay tribute to slain New Albany and Floyd County officers, including Sheriff’s Department Officer Frank Denzinger, who was shot and died in 2007 while responding to a domestic disturbance. Amy, Officer Denzinger’s sister, signed the truck honoring state officers who died in 2023, along with hundreds of others.
Jeff Firkins of the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office discussed the significance of this annual memorial endeavor.
“Most of our administrators served as pallbearers at Frank’s funeral.” We were close to him. And the fact that these policemen continue to honor him so many years after his death means a lot to us. It’s something people understand, but it never leaves you,” Firkins added.
As the riders carried on from New Albany to Jeffersonville, Jackson stated that witnessing the survivors kept him going because he knew this group would never forget the slain policemen.
“It may happen any day. And it’s comforting to know that these folks will be there for my family if anything happens to me,” Jackson stated.