May Day Ride To Honor Our Heros

Modesto, CA - In July of 2002, Modesto Police Sergeant Steve May was seriously injured when a suspect rammed a Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Deputy and crashed into Sergeant May’s patrol car as he was fleeing.  Sergeant May remains in a coma to this day and his wife and family have become active members of the Peace Officer Memorial Group of Stanislaus County.  Since May of 2005, employees of the Modesto Police Department have organized an annual “May Day Ride” to honor Sergeant May.

Memorial Day weekend marks the fourth annual May Day Ride and everyone is invited to participate.  The event has grown each year with over 250 motorcycle riders participating last year.  The ride has also grown to honor California Highway Patrol Officer Earl Scott and Ceres Police Officers Howard Stevenson and Sam Ryno.    This year’s event is expected to draw over 300 participants.

The ride begins on May 24, 2008, at Mitchell's Harley-Davidson located at 500 North Carpenter Road in Modesto.  Registration begins at 9:00 am and ends at 10:00 am. The ride is scheduled to begin at 10:30 am.  Riders will travel east on Highway 132 and to Henderson Park in Snelling.

Modesto Area Music Association 2007 award winner Jon Valenti will be at the park with live entertainment (www.jonvalenti.com).  Lunch will be available for purchase at the park and is catered by Suzey Belen’s Mexican Restaurant located at 220 S. Sierra in Oakdale.  There will also be raffle prizes.  Henderson Park is located on Merced Falls Road just east of La Grange Road in Snelling.  It is bordered by the beautiful Merced River and has play areas for the kids.  There are picnic tables throughout the park with seating for over 300 people.  Modesto Mayor Jim Ridenour will be giving a special message at this year’s event along with Modesto Police Chief Roy Wasden and Stanislaus County Sheriff Adam Christianson.

Law enforcement officers throughout Stanislaus County are inviting you to come and participate in this wonderful day of remembering those who have sacrificed so much for our community.  Participation in the motorcycle ride is not required to enjoy this free community event at Henderson Park.  A twenty dollar donation to participate in the motorcycle ride is suggested.  All proceeds go to the Peace Officer Memorial Group of Stanislaus County.

For information about this news release contact Sergeant Craig Gundlach at (209) 652-3184.