By: Jarret Romanello, The St. Lucie Post
Photos: Brandon Berry, PIO – St. Lucie Sheriff’s PAL
May 18, 2021
Over 100 bikers met at the Post Office on Midway Road in Fort Pierce on Sunday to honor fallen law enforcement officers and support youth sports.
The day kicked off with Congressman Brian Mast and the Blue Angles Motorcycle Club lining up for a Memorial ride through St. Lucie County. The ride passed by the St. Lucie Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Highway Patrol, and the Fort Pierce Police Department before finishing at the St. Lucie Sheriff’s PAL Center at US 1 and Virginia Ave.
Blue Angles Motorcycle Club President Darrel Murphy said it’s important to honor fallen officers and recognize the sacrifice they made. Each year in May, Police Week honors officers who died in the line of duty.
As the Motorcycles roared into the PAL Center, ”Big Blue” – Howard Dunn’s Two and a Half-Ton – Back The Blue Truck – greeted them. Dunn’s Kids Foundation is a supporter of law enforcement and youth activities. “The fallen officers deserve our recognition, and the kids need our support. Cops and kids make the world safe and fun, and there’s nowhere I’d rather be today than here,” Dunn said.
The ride raised money for the 100 Club, the St. Lucie Sheriff’s PAL & the Jon Bullock Scholarship Fund. Trooper Jon Bullock was shot and killed while assisting a disabled motorist along I-95 in Martin County last year. His family joined the Blue Angles at the ride and will use the donation to support individuals pursuing a career in law enforcement.
PAL Board Member J, Wills, and Garry “Doc” Schwartz bought a St. Lucie Sheriff’s PAL legacy brick to support building a new PAL Center in Fort Pierce. The bricks cost only $ 100, and for the small price, Wills says it’s a way for you to forever leave your legacy on the walkway of PAL’s new building.
The crowd was delighted with great food as local favorite Big Worm’s BBQ hit the spot with their Sunday Bowl. The grub didn’t slow the crowd down as spectators swarmed the parking lot at the PAL Center and enjoyed the Jump Start Antique Car show, pausing at noon as TAPS played.
St. Lucie Sheriff’s PAL President Lisa Johns-Grose and St. Lucie Sheriff’s Office Chief of Staff Garry Wilson stole the show as they called out winners of the event’s raffle. “This is a great way to end a sad week. As we remember the officers that gave their lives, we honor the sacrifice they made by bringing positive youth sports to St. Lucie County. The participation here today only serves to bring a brighter future to the children of this community,” Ms. Johns-Grose told The St. Lucie Post.
