Wisconsin Professional Police Association

News From The Upper Peninsula of Michigan
By Emil Kezerle, Business Agent/Coordinator, Upper Michigan Office
1342 U.S. Highway 2 • Crystal Falls, Michigan 49921
906-875-4990 • 800-361-1269

Law Ride 2005

The Thin Blue Line of Michigan will again be sponsoring its annual Upper Peninsula Law Enforcement Motorcycle Ride. This year’s ride, scheduled to take place on August 6, will begin in Marquette and end in Sault Saint Marie.

The Thin Blue Line was established some time ago as a non-profit organization. The organization’s primary purpose is to provide support to the families of injured or fallen law enforcement officers in the State of Michigan. Support from this organization comes in a number of ways, including both financial and emotional support.

Each of us knows that the threat of injury or death in the law enforcement profession is very real. Normally, law enforcement officers do not arrive at work on a particular day knowing ahead of time that today will be the day that injury or death will occur. Should any of us have such a crystal ball allowing us to identify the specific day that we may not come home, I would assume that we would all spend a great deal of time in advance preparing our family and friends for such an occurrence. Certainly we would spend time with our immediate family, helping them prepare spiritually, emotionally, and financially. We all know life does not work in such a way. That's where the Thin Blue Line enters the picture.

Created by the spouse of a fallen Michigan law enforcement officer, the Thin Blue Line is an absolutely priceless resource for families who suddenly find themselves in what they must perceive as a helpless situation. According to Thin Blue Line statistics, 228 Michigan law enforcement officers and/or their families received assistance from the Thin Blue Line as of March 2005.

I feel it is very important to point out to our WPPA members here in Upper Michigan that several of our own members right here in Upper Michigan have received benefits from this organization. The Thin Blue Line as an organization is a proven friend of the WPPA and has assisted our WPPA/Upper Michigan Law Enforcement Association in a number of ways.

In conclusion, not all law enforcement officers in Upper Michigan own or operate a motorcycle (although the numbers are on the increase). Having said that, please recognize those riders who do participate. Let them know you appreciate their involvement in this event. If you are fortunate enough to be close by when the ride passes, please don't hesitate to salute the fine men and women who are helping to provide assistance to our brothers and sisters in law enforcement – assistance that has found its way to our WPPA Upper Michigan members on more than one occasion.

The Thin Blue Line Of Michigan

The Thin Blue Line is a non-profit organization, which exists solely to assist and support the families of injured or deceased officers of law enforcement agencies within the State of Michigan. Whether active or honorably retired, officers and their families are assured that The Thin Blue Line will aid them with financial, emotional, physical, and medical needs that arise upon the occasion of an officer's injury or death.

As of March 2005, 228 officers and/or their families in the State of Michigan have received benefits and assistance from this organization.

For further information, please view or contact the following sources: www.tblofmi.com; events@tblofmi.com; or call 517-540-6572.

Coming Events

July 24	5th Annual “Ride to Remember”
August 6	4th Annual “Upper Peninsula Law Enforcement Motorcycle Benefit Ride”
August 13	3rd Annual “Challenge at the Creek”
August 27	1st Annual “Thin Blue Line of Michigan Solo Piping Championship”
September 11	5th Annual “A Call to Duty Memorial Motorcycle Benefit Ride”
September 24	10th Annual “Michigan State Police Fall Color Run”