Police Unity Tour Rides through Borough

Police officers from throughout Northern New Jersey rode their bicycles through Chatham Borough Monday morning on the first leg of the Police Unity Tour.

Among those riding in the tour were Sgt. Daniel Papa and Ptlm. David Schaffer, making their fifth and fourth trips on the tour, respectively.

Their final destination is Washington, D.C., where they will be among more than 1,000 officers converging there to raise awareness of police officers who have died in the line of duty. The tour also raises funds for the National Law Enforcement Officer's Memorial and Museum in Washington.

More than 100 officers rode along Main Street Monday on their way to New York City for a memorial service at Ground Zero before they continue their journey. Many officers called greetings to the borough police who blocked the street for them and to the residents who came out to watch. Several had cameras strapped to their helmets.

The officers were escorted by a cadre of police on motorcycles and a host of other police vehicles providing first aid care and logistical support to those on their bikes.

Bike Land in Chatham Borough donated the kits to the Chatham officers, and the Chatham Club donated use of its spinning room for training.

According to Chatham Township Police, Papa is riding in honor of Deputy Brian Mahaffey, of Rockland County, Ga., who was killed on May 8, 2010.