1,000 Riders Raise Money for Families of Officers

Traffic cop Phil Walters traded his Los Angeles police-issue motorcycle and badge Sunday to cruise another beat.

On most weekends, he would be patrolling the streets of the San Fernando Valley, writing speeding tickets or arresting criminals. Instead, Walters joined about 1,000 law enforcement officers and police boosters from across Southern California, rumbling his monster GoldWing Honda through 80 winding miles of back roads in a campaign to raise money for the families of fallen comrades.

Looking more like ruffians than spit-shine officers, these jackbooted bikers raised about $20,000 through the Downed Officers Support Ride. The event was sponsored by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and Accessories Unlimited, a Newhall motorcycle shop.

The potential beneficiaries are, sadly, numerous. Fifteen officers were slain in Southern California since the first Support Ride one year ago.

The motorcycle tour and afternoon barbecue at the Melody Ranch movie set in Newhall amounted to more than a simple fund-raiser. It served as a day of solidarity, providing a few hours to honor those killed in the line of duty and those who step into danger every time they carry a badge.

“It doesn’t matter what department you’re with. We’re all the same,” said Walters, 42, seated in faded jeans and work boots atop his sleek motorcycle with his wife, Bridgett. “It’s like a brotherhood.”

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The day began with a somber recognition of the hazards of police work, a frightening reality repeated just 11 days ago when Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Shayne York was slain while off duty.

York, 26, was killed during a robbery at a Buena Park beauty salon. While going through his wallet, two robbers allegedly found York’s deputy badge, ordered him to lie on the floor and then shot him.

In Sunday’s ceremony, honor guards presented the California and United States flags. An officer conducted roll call, announcing the names of the 15 slain officers, police agency and date of death. They also honored an officer killed in Eureka. Los Angeles Police Chief Bernard C. Parks and former Chief Daryl F. Gates offered words of thanks and encouragement.

A contingent of Glendale police officers and city workers brought their own message about Officer Charles Lazzaretto, 30, who was gunned down in May in an ambush at a Chatsworth warehouse. His colleagues refused Sunday to let the memory of their friend pass with him.

Some city workers wore T-shirts with his name and the date of his death emblazoned on the back. A family friend tied a wreath with Lazzaretto’s picture to the front of her minivan and painted these few words on the side window: “Chuck Lazzaretto, Glendale P.D., Killed May 28, 1997.”

More than 20 of Lazzaretto’s colleagues signed up for the motorcycle ride, raising about $500 for his widow and two young children.

“Chuck was a gentleman’s gentleman,” recalled Gary Moore, a radio communications technician for the city of Glendale. “He was a caring individual. You wouldn’t forget him.”

Others who participated in the fund-raiser expressed the same enthusiasm. The $15 entry fee plus funds from a raffle and T-shirt sale went to a support group for families of slain officers.

Some police officers traveled hours on their motorcycles to join the cavalcade. Among them was Darlene Bell, a police officer from Costa Mesa.

“We support our guys,” said Bell, 56, wearing black jeans, hoop earrings, pink lipstick and a denimvest with bright white letters that said “Choir Boys,” a biker organization composed of peace officers who ride Harleys. “We’re family.”

Bell and the others traveled on back roads between Newhall and Acton, and then retreated to the Melody Ranch movie set for barbecued beef and beans.

It was early afternoon by the time all of the bikers arrived, parking their shining chrome motorcycles in rows as long as football fields. By that time, the mood of the day had shifted: A band, whose members sported pompadours and bright red suits, played 1950s rock ‘n’ roll. The police officers relaxed with cans of Coke and lemonade slushies.