‘In my mind and my heart’: CMPD officers begin bike ride to Washington D.C. to honor fallen peers

CHARLOTTE — Dozens of Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers set off Monday morning on a 400-mile bicycle journey to Washington D.C.

The ride is more than a test of athletic endurance, it’s an opportunity to recognize other officers who died while serving their community.

“It’s a true challenge. You’re riding a lot of those hills you’re thinking, ‘My goodness what in the world am I doing?’ And then you think about why you’re doing it,” said now-retired 29-year CMPD veteran Officer Norma McKee. “Riding the hills is a drop in the bucket compared to the officers that have been killed.”

McKee is in her 10th year participating in the ride. CMPD officer John Burnette -- who was shot and killed in the line of duty in 1993 -- is a special motivation for McKee. The two went through academy together, she said.

Other officers are riding in honor of CMPD Officer Mia Goodwin, who was hit and killed on Interstate 85 while responding to a crash late last year.

“Mia is always going to be in my mind and my heart,” said CMPD Officer Chad Mack.

Goodwin’s name will be read aloud, along with other officers across the nation who died in the line of duty, during a candlelight vigil on Friday night at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington D.C.

CMPD officers will ride eight to 10 hours a day until they reach the D.C. for Friday night’s vigil. Multiple agencies across North Carolina are also participating in the ride.

>> In the video at the top of this page, Channel 9′s Gina Esposito reports on the ride’s significance as CMPD officers honor their colleagues who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

(WATCH BELOW: Benefit ride for fallen CMPD Officer Mia Goodwin raises money for her family)

Benefit ride for fallen CMPD Officer Mia Goodwin raises money for her family

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