Two Local Law Enforcement Officers Receive Support From More Than 100 Motorcyclists

Grant County Undersheriff Craig Hampton and Deputy Derrick Kester were presented with an honorary, blue line flag by members of the Kansas Bikers Backing Our Blue (KBBOB) Charity Bike Ride which came through Ulysses Saturday, September 16, and made a stop at the local U-Pump It.

In total, 115 motorcyclists from southwest Kansas created a route to show support and appreciation for law enforcement in Garden City, Lakin, Ulysses, Hugoton, and Sublette. Additionally, KBBOB raises funds from raffles, donations, and sponsorships.

Every cent of proceeds is given to the Kansas Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) to benefit family members of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. KBBOB brought in $17,050 for their Fourth Annual Charity Bike Ride, bringing the total contribution to $50,050 since 2020.

According to the Kansas C.O.P.S. website, the non-profit organization provides surviving family members with "emotional support, aiding survivors in understanding the judicial process and providing information about available services within the local community, the state, and the nation”.

Although C.O.P.S. has been around since 1984, on March 17, 2001, the Kansas Chapter of C.O.P.S. was established in Salina after receiving a unanimous vote. Currently, the organization is one of 55 chapters in the United States of America, serving all 105 counties in Kansas. Collectively, Kansas C.O.P.S has more than 350 members. Becoming a member comes at no cost, but at a loss of a loved one.

“Each and every member has already paid the ultimate price,” states the organization’s website. “The heroism and bravery of those officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice must never be forgotten; therefore, we are committed to see that their memory and acts of bravery live forever.”

For more information, visit kscops.org, email Kansas C.O.P.S. President Jamie Bradway at president@ kscops.org or call 317-402- 7592.

For more information on becoming a part of the Fifth Annual KBBOB Charity Bike Ride in 2024, please join the KBBOB – Kansas Bikers Backing Our Blue Facebook Group. KBBOB is currently looking for new sponsors and a new venue out of Garden City with a capacity for more than 125 people and a parking lot with the same amount of space for motorcycles.