Published: July 15, 2007 01:15 am      

Two-wheeled tribute for officers

The crowd huddled around a police cruiser, their heads bowed as they listened to the words of prayer that echoed out of the vehicle’s public address system.

They prayed for safety during the journey they were about to take. And they gave thanks for the cloudless, dry Saturday morning on which they were taking it.

Finally, as the prayer ended, the crowd said in unison, “Amen.” Moments later, the sound of more than 500 firing motorcycle engines muffled out the jovial chatter that continued as the ride began.

That scene took place Saturday morning at IU Southeast — the starting point for a 120-mile bike ride benefiting Floyd County Sheriff’s Department Officer Joel White and the family of Officer Frank Denzinger. The officers were shot last month by 15-year-old Tyler Dumstorf, according to police. White was severely injured and Denzinger was killed during the attack. Dumstorf took his own life after shooting the officers.

“To us, it’s just a way to pay tribute,” said Mike Crump, a member of the Blue Knights, an international organization for law enforcement men and women who ride motorcycles. As a member of that and other organizations, he helped recruit bikers to the event. Many came from the Clark and Floyd counties and the surrounding area, he said.

Paula Montgomery, one of the motorcyclists attending the ride, said she was there “to take a moment of recognition of what police officers do for us.”

Robert Barrow said as a 22-year Army veteran he’s “always supported police.”

Though no final tally of bikers was known, officials estimated about 500 or more were there about 15 minutes before the ride started. Organizer Jason Kahl said he was happy with the turnout early that morning.

Riders were required to pony up at minimum a $25 donation to the fund, but many gave more, including at least one $1,000 donation.

“Every penny we raise is going to the families,” Kahl said.

Saturday’s ride traversed Southern Indiana. From the New Albany starting point, the group planned to travel to Georgetown, French Lick and through Paoli, before concluding in Salem, making a series of stops along the way.

Participants tied a blue ribbon to their bikes, not only as a means of recognizing fellow group members, but also to symbolize the memorial aspect of the ride. Police escorts were scheduled to help the group through many of the intersections in the towns they rode through.

It was unknown at press time how much money the event raised.