W. Steven Martin’s Police Memorial Ride April 30, 2006
Today, W. Steven Martin’s Police Memorial Motorcycle Ride was held in memory of those fallen law enforcement officers during 2005. All proceeds will be donated to Law Enforcement memorials, which assist the families of fallen officers and family members during law enforcement week. May 15 has been National Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the week containing May 15 has been National Police Week, since President John F. Kennedy signed Public Law 87-726 on October 1, 1962. But it was not until May 15, 1982, that the first National Peace Officers' Memorial Day Service was held. Washington, DC, activities during National Police Week now include the annual Candlelight Vigil at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and COPS' National Police Survivors' Seminars as well as the National Peace Officers' Memorial Day Service.
Members of Arizona Chapter VI arrived at Childress Buick Auto Mall, located at 2223 W. Camelback Road, shortly after 9:00 AM for registration and the cost to participate in the memorial ride was $10 per motorcycle. Yes, $10 per motorcycle – not $10 per person. Chapter VI members and spouses that participated were Dale and Evelyn Doucet, Michael Romero, Bob and VI Hossfeld, John Murray, Chris and Janet Mehling, Fred Schmeltz, and Page and Glenda Decker. Overall, we had a good representation of the Blue Knights.
Once we all arrived, W. Steven Martin had our chapter members’ stage as the second group to depart from the dealership, directly behind the escort motorcycle officers from the Arizona Department of Public Safety. While at Childress Buick, there was live music, memorabilia to purchase, free Monster drink if you like high levels of caffeine, and plenty of socializing to go around. Dale Doucet had the chance to talk to a DPS officer that used to work for him thirteen years ago; we met members of the Iron Pigs, and several retired and current police officers that we knew. One of the officers was Bill Stall who will retire soon after serving forty years with the Phoenix Police Department.
Around 10:00 AM, a group photo was taken, which included all participating riders, which is estimated as being around one-thousand. The ride departed with an escort of DPS motor officers, with W. Steven Martin and DPS Director Roger Vanderpool leading the ride. We rode west on Camelback Road to I-17, south on I-17 to eastbound I-10 near Sky Harbor Airport, and continued east on I-10 to eastbound US 60. Since SR 202 was closed all weekend for construction near ASU, we were escorted a little south. We continued east on US 60 to SR 101 north, then to SR 202 east to Country Club Road in Mesa, which is also SR 87.
We proceeded north on SR 87 (the Beeline Highway) past Fountain Hills, through the Salt River Indian Reservation, to the Matazal Rest Stop located at the SR 87 and 188 junction, which is south of Payson. After a short break and hydration, we continued north on SR 87 through Rye to the Payson Police Department where W. Steven Martin talked about the solidarity of law enforcement and he read the names of the five deceased officers who were killed in the line of duty during 2005. Ironically, a Gilbert Police motorcycle officer was killed yesterday when his motorcycle was broadsided by a car with intoxicated teens that ran a red traffic light.
Near the ceremonies conclusion, a raffle was held and Glenda Decker, wife of member Page Decker won. Congratulations Glenda. The weather was much cooler in Payson, as the temperature reached the high 90’s in Phoenix. An interesting observation was that gasoline was cheaper in Payson than Phoenix. After lunch at the Small Café, which was suggested by Bob and VI Hossfeld, we continued on our travels back to the Valley of the Sun. One thing to remember when traveling out of the Phoenix area to smaller towns, don’t expect the same pace of life as we are accustomed to. The food was very good, but it took a little while to get it served.
Most of us rode a minimum 250 miles round trip and enjoyed every mile. Hope to see more chapter members on future rides. Isn’t that what the Blue Knights are about?
Live to Ride. Ride to Live
Dale Doucet, Vice President
Arizona Chapter VI
Chapter members and spouses meeting for the ride to Childress Buick Auto Mall
Front Row Left to Right: Janet Mehling, Evelyn Doucet, Vi Hossfeld, Glenda Decker Back Row Left to Right: Chris Mehling, Dale Doucet, Fred Schmeltz, Waldo (John Murray), Bob Hossfeld, and Page Decker (photographer Michael Romero)
The gathering of riders at Childress Auto Mall located at 2223 W. Camelback Road.
While at Childress Auto Mall and prior to the ride commencing, Dale Doucet and Page Decker are talking, Chris Mehling is visiting with Fred Schmeltz, and Janet Mehling and Evelyn Doucet deep in conversation. Bob Hossfeld is looking for something near his white Honda 1800 Gold Wing and again, Waldo (John Murray) can be seen on his steed behind Page Decker and Fred Schmeltz. Michael Romero’s anniversary Harley-Davidson Road King and Page Decker’s Peace Officer Special Edition Road King are parked next to each other. In the far background (above Evelyn’s head), W. Steven Martin addressing the riders. (Photographer Michael Romero)
While en route to Payson, all riders stopped at the Matazal Rest Stop located at the SR 87 and SR 188 junction, south of Payson. Water was made available to help keep the riders hydrated.
Arizona Department of Public Safety motorcycle officers escorted all the riders from Phoenix to Payson on their new fleet of BMW police motorcycles. (Photographer Michael Romero)