With the snarl of almost two dozen engines, a pack of motorcycles roared across St. Croix Saturday, but this wasn’t "The Wild One" running from the fuzz. This was police and supporters, taking part in the territory’s first "Law Ride."
The ride kicked off National Police Week activities in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
St. Croix Police Chief Christopher Howell told the riders that gathered Saturday morning at the Violet Damideaux Pavilion at Patrick Sweeney Police Headquarters in Golden Grove that the ride commemorated more than a day on the road. He pointed out that just outside the pavilion was a plaque with the names of St. Croix officers who had died in the line of duty.
"You’re riding for a good cause. You’re riding for the V.I.P.D. You’re riding for the families and friends of those who paid the ultimate price," he said.
There were 22 bikes when the riders pulled away, including the two officers from the department’s Traffic Safety Division who acted as escorts for the ride. They rode a figure eight across the island, heading west to Frederiksted, then east as far out as Cheeseburgers, where they switched around to the south and came back along the Southside Road past Hovensa and back to the Sweeney station.
Back at the pavilion there was a barbecue, a motorcycle safety course and K9 demonstrations.
The event was just one in a series of activities taking place on the territory’s three islands to mark the occasion. Police Commissioner Novelle E. Francis Jr. invited the entire Virgin Islands community to attend National Police Week activities on St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix.
“Police week is a time to reflect on the sacrifices our officers have made and continue to make for our community," Francis said. "It’s also a time to reach out to our fellow police officers, those serving, those retired, both local and federal. We also acknowledge and celebrate the important role of our civilians."
Other events on St Croix:
- 9 a.m. Sunday, the National Peace Officers Memorial Day Ceremony, at Violet Damideaux Pavilion at the Patrick Sweeney Headquarters. A memorial service to slain officers, followed by breakfast.
- Noon to 4 p.m. Monday, open house at the Ann Schrader Command in the La Reine shopping center.
- 6 p.m. Monday, East Officers vs. West Officers Softball Game at the Sion Farm Ball Park.
St. Thomas activities:
There will be activities every night on St. Thomas at the Virgin Islands Retired Police Organization-USO Building on the waterfront.
- 11 a.m. Sunday, a church service at the Calvary Baptist Church, followed by a luncheon at the VIRPO USO building on the Waterfront beginning at 12:30 p.m. and ending at 2 p.m.
- 3 p.m. Sunday, the Peace Officer Memorial Parade/Laying of the Wreath will begin at the Addelita Cancryn Junior High School an end at Zone A, where the wreath will be laid in the sea.
- 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Police on the Green at the UVI Reichhold Center for the Arts field. Police demonstrations will include K9, the bomb disposal robot and many more treats for children. Several elementary schools will bring students to participate and anyone in the community is invited to come and observe.
Further events will be announced later in the week, according to the department. The schedule of events is online at the VIPD website.