Police Unity Tour Makes Stop In Md., Honors Fallen Harford Co. Deputies

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Three months after Senior Deputy Patrick Dailey and Deputy Mark Logsdon were killed in the line of duty, the Police Unity tour made a stop in Harford County today.

WJZ's Tracey Leong has more.

In May 1997 the Police Unity Tour was organized by Officer Patrick P. Montuore of the Florham Park Police Department in New Jersey, with the hope of bringing public awareness to officers who have died in the line of duty.

It started with 18 riders on a four day fundraising ride from Florham Park to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in D.C. It raised $18,000.

Since then, the group has grown to 1,900 members nationwide and nearly $18 million has been donated to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.

Today, the tour arrived at the Harford County Sheriff's Office Southern Precinct, where there was a wreath laying for Dailey and Logsdon.

Logsdon's wife, in her first public speaking appearance since her husband's death, addressed the crowd, thanking the community for their support these past few months and calling for more understanding of the challenges that officers face daily.

"I still pick up my phone to send him a text, and look forward to seeing him when I get home, only to realize it's not possible," she said.

Another widow, Denise Brandt, told WJZ she was participating in the ride "for what would have been my husband and mine's 20th wedding anniversary."

Her husband died on July 4, 2004.

Others are riding in honor of fathers, brothers and friends.

Tomorrow, they will head to D.C., joining other tours from around the country for National Police Week.

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