Long Island Man Heads on Nationwide 'Thank the Police' Tour

In response to several negative comments and posts made about the police recently, Long Islander Billy Richards decided to show his suppport and thank police officers in person.

Last month, Richards, a U.S. Marine veteran from Islip, got the idea to travel to several major cities across the U.S. where he would run before visiting the local police officers. He purchased several American flags to deliver, along with a handwritten thank you note, to an officer or first responder on staff.

"Honestly, it had a lot to do with all the negative things posted about the police lately," he said. "A small percentage of people post negative things about the police but they have the biggest voice. I wanted to show that the community still supports them."

He started off with his local Suffolk County Police Department, heading to the 3rd precinct in Bay Shore. He then ran 22 miles across Long Island starting at Calverton before going to Times Square in New York City to thank the local officers there last week.

The following day, he got on a train to Baltimore. From there he went to Philadelphia before coming back home to Long Island to raise more money for his trip. Before he left, Richards visited the rest of the Suffolk County police precincts until he was formally sent off in Hampton Bays.

Since then, he has been to Washington D.C.; Raleigh, North Carolina; Atlanta, Georgia; Orlando, Florida, the scene of the recent terrorist attack at Pulse nightclub; Miami, Florida; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the site of a recent attack that killed three law enforcement officers, and more.

"It's been great," he said. "I've received the best response form the Baton Rouge police, just such a warm response."

According to Richards, the Baton Rouge police shut the highway down in order to allow him to do his run and he got to meet the deputy chief.

He plans to visit Beaumont and Dallas in Texas before heading west. His main goal is to eventually head back home, which he plans to do by August 11.

Richards started a fundraising campaign on GoFundMe in order to help pay for his travels. So far, he has raised a total of $3,360. The goal on the page is to raise a total of $10,000, but Richards says he just needs enough to get back home.

To learn more or to donate to Richards' cause, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/thank...

Photos: Facebook.com/Billy Richards