A Warm Welcome Home

by Ride Captain, Julio Krenz

Earlier today, we said “so long” to our new friends and those we’ve known from journeys come before. As the 2023 Cops for Kids Ride comes to an end, we know that this may be the end of the road for now, but that our work is never done for the families who rely on our efforts. This year brought many challenges to get our ride started with summer landslides, wildfires, and overtime shifts but once we came together just ten days ago, we put it all behind us and worked together as a team to conquer mountain passes and bring in the funds needed by our communities.

Over ten days our team formed friendships that will last a lifetime, with the common goal they are truly changing the lives of local kids through their own hard work. Our riders have done an incredible job fundraising, and then gave up their own comforts and routines in order to participate in this ride. We are so grateful that they chose to join us on this journey.

We didn’t need our raincoats at all this year, surely a first that I can remember. We were fortunate to have some of the best weather we’ve ever seen during my years with the ride, albeit a little too warm for some on occasion.  They were also treated to some delicious meals and kind words from the supporters across the communities who graciously hosted our team. For many, these interactions remind them of why they chose a policing career.

To our riders who are commuting back to their hometowns, we wish them safe travels. They all return to regular duties tomorrow, with sore legs and warm hearts.

Lastly, a thank you to the donors who made this all possible, and to our dear friend Tom Budd who contributed another $25,000 today through the Payton & Dillon Budd Memorial Fund for kids in our communities. Without your generosity, none of this is possible.