Crime & Safety

Delays Expected for Police Unity Tour

Bicycle tour that raises awareness of officers who died in the line of duty will cause extended traffic delays as it passes through Madison on Wednesday morning, police said.

The annual Police Unity Tour begins its first leg Wednesday morning, and will ride through downtown Madison.

Motorists should "expect extended traffic delays," Madison police said.

Coming from Florham Park, the route through Madison runs from Ridgedale Avenue to Park Avenue, Madison Avenue, Loantaka Way and then Woodland Road toward Morris Township.

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The four-day bicycle ride runs from New Jersey to Washington, D.C., to raise awareness of the law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty. Funds raised from the tour support the National Law Enforcement Officer's Memorial and Museum.

The first tour was organized in 1997 by Florham Park Police Chief Patrick P. Montuore.

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Two officers from the are riding in the tour this year. Sgt. Daniel Papa will ride in honor of Sgt. James Chapin of Chattanooga, Tenn., who died on April 2, 2011, from a gunshot wound he received at the scene of an armed robbery. Chapin, who was married with two children, was a 27-year veteran of the police department.

When he arrives in D.C., Papa will meet Chapin's family members and escort them to a candlelight vigil on Sunday.

Patrolman David Schaffer will provide logistic support to those riding in the tour.

This will be Papa's sixth straight year and Schaffer's fifth straight year participating in the tour.

Every officer who rides in the event must raise $1,750 to offset trip expenses. Lt. Steven Hennelly of the Chatham Township Police Department said Schaffer and Papa "were able to meet and exceed their fund raising goals for the 2012 Police Unity Tour," thanks to donations and support from local residents and businesses.


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