TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL)--Law enforcement officers are making their way to Portsmouth, Virginia ahead of the Police Unity Tour.
They left the capital city before the sun came up.
The caravan left Monday at 4:30 a.m. Two vans and two trailers were packed with everything needed for the tour and the emotional candlelight vigil that follows at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.
While they were on the road, support staff were already in Virginia diligently preparing.
"What you're seeing in that picture is support staff shopping and it's food that we're able to eat nothing too heavy food that energizes us," said Tallahassee police officer Rachelle Denmark, who is also riding in the tour
It's the fuel that's needed for the long journey.
Cyclists will ride 250 miles over three days. It starts Wednesday,
The tour will come to an end Friday between the walls of the memorial.
Nearly 400 new names have been added this year like Boston, Georgia police officer Justin Levis Rouse.
He was killed in a motorcycle crash. His end of watch May 9, 2015.
"No one has rode for Justin so I will be there, doing that," said Denmark.
As the officers made their way up to Portsmouth, on their hearts and minds is the reason why they ride.
Denmark says Tuesday is all about safety. They have a number of meetings to attend in Portsmouth, Virginia with other members of the Police Unity Tour Chapter VIII who come from across the country. There are a total of nine chapters. All the chapters will merge in D.C. on Friday.
