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SALT LAKE CITY — Thousands of motorcycles made the journey today from Lindon to the steps of the State Capitol. Bikers, community members and law enforcement from across the state make this ride every year: the Ride for Fallen Officers.
On a wall at the Utah State Capitol — the Utah Law Enforcement Memorial — are 135 names.
An honor — but bittersweet for those they leave behind.
"To know that my son's name is on that wall, it's an honor," said Jade Francom, father of slain Ogden Officer Jared Francom, who was shot in January in Ogden while serving a warrant.
More than 4,400 motorcycles hit the road today, riding to remember our fallen officers and giving to the families who endure their sacrifice.
"June 30th, my brother fell off a mountain and died after rescuing people," said Arik Beesley, brother of Trooper Aaron Beesley, who died in June during a search and rescue operation on Mount Olympus. "Having all these people here takes my breath away. It's not a high-paying job, so to have people willing to give of their means to help when the time is needed …"
And fresh on the mind of many — Millard County Sheriff's Deputy Josie Fox. The man accused of shooting and killing her in January of 2010 was found not guilty by a jury late Friday night.
"I'm gonna say one things and get it out of the way, ‘cause it's on all of our hearts right now," Attorney General Mark Shurtleff said. "There is no justice when a cop killer walks free."
"And despite an imperfect justice system, it's the best we have.
Seventeen officers have died in the line of duty while Mark Shurtleff has served as the state's Attorney General. He remembers every name during those 12 years.
"We had a young man named Joe Adams," he said. "A young Lehi City cop who ahd made a stop on an intoxicated driver and was shot and killed."
These bikers ride for every single one.
The memorial stands as a reminder for what our men and women in law enforcement have given. And these wheels ride — making sure what they gave is not forgotten.
"These people put a badge on every day and take a chance every single day of not coming home," Francom said.
The money raised by today's ride goes toward an endowment to support the families of fallen officers.
