Photo by Bruce Bennett

Monday, April 7th
10am

17550 Collins Avenue
Sunny Isles, FL 33160

 "On Monday, April 7th, approximately 200 riders will suit up once again to kick off a five-day, 270-mile charity bicycle ride for Florida’s fallen law enforcement officers. Denny’s, one of America’s largest full-service family restaurant chains, is proud to serve as the title sponsor of the 17th annual Tour de Force charity bike ride that stretches north along U.S. 1 from Miami to Daytona Beaches – making daily stops all along the route – in an effort to raise both money and awareness for the cause.

Kicking off at 10 a.m. at the Sunny Isles Denny’s located at 17550 Collins Avenue, the ride’s opening ceremonies will be presided over by a multi-agency honor guard and Sunny Isles Chief of Police Fred Maas.

In 2013, four Florida officers were killed in the line of duty: Deputy Sheriff Daniel Rivera of the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, Sergeant Mike Wilson of the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, Master Deputy Sheriff Joseph “Shane” Robbins of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Sergeant Gary Morales of the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office; this year’s tour aims to raise more than $75,000 for their families.

“Tour de Force is an incredible organization and Denny’s is thrilled have opportunity for the third year in a row to give back to the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Adam Jacobs, Denny's Miami co-op president. “Thanks in large part to the generosity of our guests, Denny’s has helped Tour de Force raise more than $86,000 to-date, and we hope to top ourselves this year on behalf of those who gave so much to serve and protect our communities.”

For five days, participants will trek up Florida’s east coast through 42 law enforcement jurisdictions, stopping at Denny’s restaurants along the way to refuel with complimentary Denny’s Fit Fare® meals and refreshments. While the ride concludes in Daytona Beach on Friday, April 11, the campaign itself will culminate at the annual Florida Law Enforcement Memorial Service presented by the Florida Fraternal Order of Police in early May in Tallahassee, Fla. At the event, Denny’s and Tour de Force will present a check to each of the five families of fallen officers.

“This ride and all it represents wouldn’t be possible without Denny’s ongoing support and partnership,” said Detective Craig Catlin, executive director of Tour de Force and North Miami Beach police officer. “2014 is shaping up to be another unforgettable year for Tour De Force and the four families that need our help now more than ever.”

Since its inaugural ride in 1997, Tour De Force has raised more than $300,000 for the families of fallen officers and law enforcement related organizations. This year, police officers throughout the state are selling 2014 Tour de Force charity bike ride patches – designed by Officer Michael Mundy of the North Miami Beach Police Department – that honor their four fallen comrades. The patches are $5 and can be purchased directly from participating law enforcement officers and their agencies – 100 percent of all proceeds will be donated directly to Tour De Force."

 For more information about Tour de Force please visit www.FloridaTourdeForce.org.