Windermere police officer to ride for the fallen

In May, Windermere Police Officer Sam Keith will embark on a three-day journey from Portsmouth, Virginia, to Washington, D.C.

It won’t be just any journey, though. Over those three days, Keith will be cycling roughly 254 miles in memory of fallen Windermere Police Officer Robbie German.

That’s because Keith is participating in the Police Unity Tour, an event that originated in May 1997. The tour’s mission is to bring about public awareness of law-enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty and to honor their sacrifices.

The Police Unity Tour Chapter VIII, which Keith will be riding with, is based in Florida. Its inaugural ride was in 2004, when 12 riders joined with Virginia’s Chapter IV on the ride from Portsmouth to the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial in Washington, D.C. to deliver raised funds.

Keith is the first officer from the Windermere Police Department to participate in the ride. Although he never met German, he’s riding as a tribute to German, his service and his family. 

Keith, who has been with the department for roughly 18 months, said he was asked if he would participate in the ride toward the end of last year. Having done long-distance rides before, and knowing the reason behind the ride, he was all in.

“I do ride — I’m not going to call myself an avid cyclist, but I do go and put on miles,” Keith said. “A lot of people say I do pretty good, but I think I’m falling very short of my own expectations. … I go out and do rides sometimes. Usually I’m alone because everyone’s working a different shift or other people I know that ride are at their regular jobs. On weekends when I’m off, I try to ride with a regular group and a couple of other officers going up (to D.C.) from other agencies.”

The ride spans 254 miles over three days. He has covered long distances before, but he knows there will be challenges.

“I think whatever hills or mountains we come up to, I’ll be challenged on those,” he said. “It’s not going to be like riding on a flat area all the time like we have here, so I think I’m going to have to put some good, serious effort into going up these hills.”

Preparing for such a ride takes some consideration for the upcoming physical exertion. Keith said he focuses on hydrating and eating foods packed with carbohydrates for energy. He also takes food and water on the ride with him. Most rides like these allow cyclists to stop every so often to take food and bathroom breaks. 

Keith said his family and colleagues all have been supportive, and many have donated to the cause on his behalf. He has until April 1 to raise $2,000.

“I get encouragement and I’ve gotten donations,” he said. “They’re all for it. ...I’m looking forward to meeting new people up there, going to visit the memorial and participating in the activities and events they have going on.”