FOND DU LAC, WI (WTAQ) – More than 30 cops from Wisconsin will begin a 300 mile bicycle trek from Philadelphia to the Nation’s Capitol for National Police Week.
The ride is partly a tribute to State Trooper Trevor Casper who was shot and killed in Fond du Lac last year and McFarland Police Officer Ryan Copeland who died in a traffic accident while on duty.
Bill Birkholz drove a truck with the bikes and equipment . His son, Fond du Lac police officer Craig Birkholz, lost his life in a shoot-out five years ago.
“I miss the hello…he used to call me every week and I miss the hello”
Trooper Clarissa Justmann was there when Trevor Casper died. She says it’s been a rough year since his death.
“it’s been a heartbreak year having to overcome losing my partner and best friend, and actually having to watch him be killed”
She says not a day goes by that she doesn’t think of him.
“all the happy memories of dancing with him in my kitchen and him picking on me like I was his sister. that’s something I truly miss”
The Unity Ride is also a fundraiser for the National Law Enforcement Memorial.
