Harley-Davidson benefit ride for families of fallen officers

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MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Hundreds of bikers from across the country take a special ride to support fallen officers.

It’s part of Harley-Davidson’s week-long celebration for its 115th anniversary.

The benefit ride was hosted by House of Harley-Davidson. The event started with a moment of silence, followed by prayer for law enforcement killed in the line of duty.

"Finally Lord, we ask that you Bless the Irvine and Michalski families at this time of loss and hold Charles and Michael in your loving embrace."

About 300 bikers participated to raise money for the organization, Concerns for Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.). Through a number of programs, C.O.P.S. helps surviving family members of officers rebuild their lives through counseling, also a kids summer camp for children.

Leading the ride to Veterans Park was Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel and Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales. This summer, the department lost two of their own, officers Michael Michalski and Charles Irvine Jr.

Chief Morales said this support helps them cope.

"The amount of support and attendance at functions like these this summer has been amazing, and that's great for our officers, for our front-line to see that."

The ride will also help fund next year’s memorial trip to Washington D.C. for the fallen officer's families.

“Next year in May there’s gonna be the law enforcement memorial in Washington D.C., the Michalski family and Irvine family are going to be flown out there, and they will highlight both officer Michalski and Irvine in the ceremonies in Washington D.C, and so it doesn’t come for free.”

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