On August 10, 2007 at 1:20 AM, Broward County Sergeant Christopher Reyka was shot and killed while investigating two suspicious cars in the parking lot of the Walgreen’s, 960 South Pompano Parkway (Powerline Road). Sergeant Reyka was a good son, brother, father, husband, friend and hero. Sergeant Reyka leaves behind his beautiful wife and four children. The person(s) responsible have yet to be brought to justice.

I was the first deputy to arrive on the scene. Chris was still alive but passed from this life to the next. I refuse to allow his memory to fade, or let the public forget that there is a cop killer among us. As Sheriff Lamberti says, "Somewhere, somebody knows." This event is a fund raiser, a way to unite police officers with the citizens on a common goal and to find that one person who knows, to come forward.

The inaugural ride was on March 29, 2008 and had 1500 motorcycles and a total of 2500 supporters, from nine states and two countries. The ride started from the Walgreen’s, and went to Sergeant Reyka’s final resting place in Palm Beach County. We went to lunch and ended at the Police Hall of Fame in Titusville, Florida, 185 miles away.

On August 10th, 2008, the Candle Light Ride was conducted. It was initiated on the evening of August 9th at the Broward County PBA Hall wherein supporters enjoyed an all-you-can-eat dinner, live bands, door prizes, and a raffle. Riders then departed at 12:00 AM and concluded the 11 mile journey at the Walgreens, 960 South Pompano Parkway, Pompano Beach. At 1:20 AM all the exterior lights and candles were shut off followed by an outdoor wall video presentation which marked one year to the minute of Sergeant Reyka’s shooting.

The 2009 Sgt. Chris Reyka Memorial State Ride is a one-week motorcycle ride starting on Saturday March 28 to Saturday April 4, 2009. There are three stops a day and you may join or depart the Ride at any of the stops. Most supporters are not able to take a week of for the entire event but we are hoping every Law Enforcement Officer and supporters in the State of Florida will join us at least one of the stops, and ride to the next stop. The stops are no more that two hours and no more that 100 miles apart. You are not limited to motorcycles... All vehicles will be welcome to take part in this Ride.

When you register, you will be asked to select a Fallen Officer to be represented from your area. One Officer from each county will be selected by the number of votes he or she receives. Each Officer's name will be printed on the State Ride shirt you will receive with your registration. The grandson of Fallen Hollywood Officer Frankie May shivers chose the Officer selected from Broward County . Officer Shivers was the remembered Officer during the Candlelight Ride held on August 9, 2008. He selected Broward County Deputy Sheriff Patrick Behan - End Of Watch - November 13, 1990. Deputy Behan was shot while in his patrol car in front of the Circle K store in Pembroke Park, Florida. This Circle K store will be the start of the Ride. The State was divided into six riding days. 11 counties will be represented each day. At the end of each day, a ceremony for each Fallen Officer will be conducted.

We are also attempting to set a record for pints of blood donated for a single event. The blood centers will be at each stop during the ride and we a looking to beat the current record of 480 pints donated for a single event.

Also a Harley Davidson Electra Glide Classic is up for raffle along with several donated items from supporters and businesses. The raffle will take place at the welcome home dinner at the PBA Hall on Saturday April 4, 2009. The first 100 who register for the ride will receive and free raffle ticket and the first 100 who purchase four raffle tickets will receive one additional free ticket. Only 1000 tickets will be sold!!! Click here to view the motorcycle and additional raffle items.

Click here to register for the 2009 State Ride (March 28 to April 4, 2009) and don't forget your raffle ticket!

Click here for route information and registration/voting updates.

Click here to download the press release for this event.

Once you register your 2009 State Ride t-shirt will be your ticket to ride in the precession. 

Remember, all are invited. If you don’t ride, cars are encouraged and will be in the precession. The event is over several hours which will allow all who have to work the opportunity attend at least some part of the event.  Every law enforcement officer in Broward County should be in attendance at least one part of this event.

Thanks in advance for your time and hope to see everyone soon!

Brian Donnelly
Broward County Deputy Sheriff
Cell 954-695-0260