FLETC Day 1


Day 1 of the FLETC ride is in the books.  We started the morning with a quick ride to the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center where we welcomed by the staff and given a tour of the 912 Building - Click the link to learn more about the building design.

A couple of cool features of the building - The number (and name) 912 represents law enforcement after 911 - leading change in training, adapting to and proactively addressing emerging threats, supporting our partners’ needs, and advancing the Nation’s homeland security goal.  The twin towers (911 memorial) overlooking the living pond that has a shelf built to represent the 911 memorial in New York.

The color guard welcomed with presentation of the colors, the National Anthem, Taps, a quick prayer and they served us some breakfast sandwiches to fuel us on for our journey.

Steve drove a support vehicle for the day. It was great to have him experience part of the ride.  I'll see him May 12 in Washington, D.C.



We stopped outside Savannah for a great lunch provided by the Savannah FOP.  While there it was great to see some old friends, Stephanie Sikes (a survivor) and Thomas Plumley who was a FLETC Rider and my roommate on a previous ride to DC.  Thomas has given back to the law enforcement community and survivors working with Blue Knights, FOP, and as a LEU rider.

Thomas was quick to grab me for an introduction with first year survivors James and Phyllis Brackeen of Savannah, GA. Their son Tim Brackeen was killed in the line of duty on 09/12/2016.  Tim succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained two days earlier while attempting to arrest a man.  We spent time sharing our stories and providing some tips for the upcoming memorial services they will attend.  James gave me a sticker with his son's badge number, 763, which I placed on my bike for some additional motivation.

The ride was fast and hot today.  We averaged 19.8 miles per hour for almost 104 miles.  My previous years our average was a few miles less so I will have to work hard to keep this pace.  There was a lot of hydration and sweat, not really like the (moderate) great training weather I've enjoyed.  The benefit is that there's more time off the bike for some recovery.  It's great to have a police escort, we are able to pass through intersections and keep our wheels rolling.  The law enforcement support has been fantastic.

I know a few riders from previous rides but there are a lot of new faces and stories I will learn over the next 11 days.  We have a lot of survivors riding so there will be many stories to come.

It was great to see friends, Lee & Steve in Savannah today, even if for a short visit.  I hope to see more friends along the way.

Tomorrow we start at 6:10 AM.  





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