New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
“Massachusetts State Police Lieutenant David Palmer will be departing from Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, as a member of the Police Unity Tour. The Police Unity Tour is a four-day bicycle ride to Washington, DC, to raise public awareness and support the legacy of law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty, and to ensure that their sacrifice is never forgotten.
Since 1997, the event has grown to include nearly 2,600 members nationwide who make the trip annually. Participants include riders, motorcycles, and support personnel. Through fundraising and physical training, riders know that their efforts raise awareness of the ultimate sacrifice made by so many law enforcement officers.
Massachusetts State Police photo.
The last leg of the tour ends at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, where the participants present remembrance bracelets worn on their wrists throughout the journey to the families of the fallen. Lieutenant Palmer has made the arduous trip for the last nine years, riding in memory of a fallen officer in years past. Lieutenant Palmer’s ride might not be possible if it was not for his dedicated support team, including Lisa Palmer and MSP Lieutenant Matt Covino. This year Lieutenant Palmer will be making the trip in memory of MSP Trooper Tamar Bucci and MSP K9 Frankie.
On Thursday, May 11, Frankie will be added to the National K9 Memorial, part of the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial in the nation’s capital. The K9 Memorial recognizes and honors police dogs killed in the line of duty. Frankie, who was assigned to the MSP Special Tactical Operations Team with his handler, Sergeant David Stucenski, was fatally shot by an armed fugitive with a history of violence whom he was trying to apprehend last July in Fitchburg.
Trooper Bucci will be added to the National Law Enforcement Memorial on Monday, May 15. She was killed in March 2022 when her cruiser was struck by a tractor-trailer on Interstate 93 in Stoneham as she attempted to pull over to offer help to a stopped motorist. She was 34.
Since its founding, the Police Unity Tour has raised more than $33 million for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.” -Massachusetts State Police.
Massachusetts State Police photo.
Massachusetts State Police photo.
