Father Of Fallen Officer Biking Across USA For Morristown High School, Son's Legacy

MORRISTOWN, NJ — It's been nearly four years since the world lost Brian McNally: a state trooper, a Marine and a larger-than-life presence with a booming voice and infectious laugh. But Brian's father, Kevin, is willing to bike across the country to help carry on the Morristown High School alumnus's legacy.

McNally will begin that 3,396-mile journey May 8 by dipping his bicycle's rear wheel into the Pacific Ocean in Manhattan Beach, California. About 50 days later, he will make it to the Boston area and dip his front tire into the Atlantic Ocean.

The Morristown resident's lifelong goal of biking across the United States will hold special significance. On May 20, 2018, Brian died in an off-duty crash. McNally's biking expedition will raise funds for the Capt. Brian J. McNally USMC Scholarship, which supports Morristown High School seniors who will pursue a first responder-related degree in college. Click here to donate.

"I know Brian would question my sanity in doing this," McNally said, "but at the same time, he would be excited for me to do it."

Brian was many things to many people in his 30 years. Raised in Morris Township, he participated in Morristown Little League, Colonial Pee-Wee Hockey, Jr Colonials football, and the Cromwell Hills swim team, according to the Morris Educational Foundation.

At Morristown High School, Brian participated in football, lacrosse and swimming. He also actively volunteered for MHS Habitat for Humanity and was co-president of the Heritage Club.

Related article: NJ Trooper From Bedminster Dedicated Life To Serving Others

McNally attended The Citadel, where he played lacrosse and became part of the honor guard his knob (freshman) year. He was awarded a scholarship from the U.S. Marine Corps, which required five years of service upon graduation.

After completing active duty, McNally returned to Morristown. He got accepted into the New Jersey State Police Academy in Sea Girt for six months of training. He graduated in August 2014 and was assigned to the Washington Barracks in Warren County, according to NJ Run for the Fallen.

In Brian's memory, the McNally family established the scholarship in his name in the amount of $5,000 through the Morris Educational Foundation.

"The MEF is incredibly honored to administer The Capt. Brian J. McNally USMCScholarship on behalf of the McNally family," said Molly Servais, MorrisEducational Foundation Scholarship chair. "We are in awe of Kevin and his dedication to support those pursuing a career of service, and to honor Brian and his legacy."

McNally will follow a cross-country route from CrossRoads Cycling Adventures. The family-owned company offers a route for a long-distance bicycle tour, providing support, hotels, meals and a mechanic. Brian's parents — Kevin and Barbara — will blog about the journey and share updates on Facebook and Instagram.

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