The 25th National Police and Peace Officers’ Ride to Remember Stops in Port Hope
Starting in Toronto, cyclists from police services across Ontario are riding more than 700 kilometres to remember those fellow law enforcement officers who have made the supreme sacrifice serving the people of Canada.
The National Police and Peace Officers’ Ride to Remember ends on Parliament Hill in Ottawa at the National Memorial on Parliament Hill. The Annual Memorial Service for fallen police/peace officers takes place on Sunday, September 28, at 11:00 a.m.
Nearly 200 cyclists rode into Port Hope on Thursday, September 25, 2025 for a break in their journey to Ottawa.
OPP officer Adam Belanger said police memorialize fallen officers and support survivors of law enforcement.
Belanger has been taking part in the ride for 11 years and each year are welcomed by the community along with the Port Hope Police Services.
Thrusday’s ride ended in Belleville with Friday’s ride ending in Brockvill then on Saturday the ride ends in Ottawa ending the 700 kilometre ride in four days.
OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique has been taking part in the ride for 13 years and said it’s a very meaningful ride.
“This is our opportunity to pay our respects to our fallen heroes who gave everything to serve their communities and ensuring public safety.”
Leaving Toronto at approximately 7 a.m. Carrique said there was a steady rain throughout the first part of their journey, but said it’s a small price to pay considering what the ride is about.
“It’s pretty much been raining non-stop since we left, but those that lose loved ones in service to their communities suffer every single day and it’s an opportunity for us to reflect on that piece of it while we dig deep and get to Ottawa.”
Taking part for over a decade, Carrique said it’s “overwhelming” arriving in Ottawa.
“We meet up with the runners and we do a slow pace from Ottawa Police headquarters onto Parliament Hill where the memorial is and families are there to greet us. There is no feeling like it. You’re absolutely overcome with emotion and it’s a real push/pull because your heart is broken for those that we’ve lost, but it’s also very filled with pride and admiration for those that had taken the time to ride or run and to be on the Hill to pay their respects.”
During the stop the OPP Youth Foundation presented nine-year-old Junior Sergeant from Port Hope with a new bike and helmet.
Junior gave his new bike a ride to the applause of the officers in attendance.
A short time later the riders left Port Hope with officers on motorcyclists from various police services across blocking intersections for the approaching cyclists.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love