Wisconsin law enforcement agencies load motorcycles for National Police Week trip to D.C.
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Law enforcement agencies across Southeastern Wisconsin are doing their part to honor fallen officers. It's all part of Police Memorial Weekend in Washington, D.C.
CBS 58's Alex Corradetti headed to House of Harley Davidson in Milwaukee to speak with Mark McClain, the director of business development, about their efforts to help.
"It's a very important and somber day. We are honored to be a part of it."
House of Harley-Davidson spent the day loading 29 police motorcycles from all over Southeast Wisconsin into a truck, which will leave for Washington, D.C. on Sunday morning.
"We cover all the costs and we send the bikes out. And then these bikes, more importantly the motor officers that ride them...will then spend next week Wednesday through Sunday escorting friends, family and people who knew the fallen officers."
Once in D.C., the bikes become part of a bigger vision and healing process for many grieving families. This will be the third time McClain attends.
"You will have thousands and thousands of people on the mall in Washington D.C. and you'll be able to hear a pin drop. It's such an important and valuable experience to be there. There's not a dry eye, it's such an important memorial and a way to honor all the men and women in law enforcement."
The names of four fallen law enforcement officers from Wisconsin will be added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. The names of those fallen officers are:
Milwaukee Police Officer Mark Lentz, Eow 09/18/2019
Wisconsin State Patrol Trooper Daniel A Stainbrook, Eow 11/15/2021
Fond Du Lac Police Officer Joseph J. Kurer, Eow 09/22/2021
Dane County Sheriff’s Office Richard C Treadwell, Eo 08/22/2020
McClain hopes their efforts here in Wisconsin will inspire the country.
"When you’re seeing an officer... man or woman come up, say thanks. There's nothing more important than a thank you."
The bikes leave for Washington on Sunday morning and will be in D.C. for drop-off on Tuesday. Friday, there will be a candlelit vigil for families of fallen officers.
House of Harley-Davidson covered all the costs to move the bikes to D.C. and on June 4th, 2022 they'll host their biggest charity event. It's a motorcycle ride for Law Enforcement Day at 10 a.m.
The proceeds from that event will go toward WI C.O.P.S., an organization providing support to families of fallen officers in Wisconsin. To learn more about the event, click here.
To learn more about National Police Week, click here.