Bike ride pays tribute to fallen Indiana officers - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Monday marks the start of the 10th Annual COPS Cycling 4 Survivors bicycle ride across Indiana.

The participants held a departure ceremony at 9:00 am in downtown Indianapolis. The 53 cyclists will head east towards Greenfield for their first leg of a 13-day course. They'll cover around 1,000 miles cycling the perimeter of Indiana.

Participants in the ride seek sponsors to raise money for the non-profit group. Funds go towards programs to support survivors of fallen officers as well as the group's operational costs.

This year's ride is dedicated to Terre Haute Officer Brent Long, who was fatally shot last July as he and other officers tried to arrest a wanted man. Long is survived by his wife and two children.

"Brent is the 13th Terre Haute police officer to lose his life in the line of duty. And if you look at the walls behind me, of the Indiana police officer memorial, you'll see the names of 398 men and women, who have given the ultimate sacrifice, protecting and making our community safe," said Chief John Plasse, Terre Haute Police Department.

Also in Greenfield, they're paying tribute to fallen officers at the Hancock County Fraternal Order of Police at 140 East Davis Road. A ceremony begins at noon, and families and local officers from departments who have lost officers will attend.

The COPS bike team will make its first stop at the Hancock County FOP.

Learn more about the history of COPS Cycling 4 Survivors.