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Swanson: Cruise set to support law enforcement

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As I turned on the evening news, I learned that tragically two more law enforcement officers were shot today in the line of duty — this time in Louisville.

Anyone in law enforcement today has a tough and dangerous job.

After those two police officers were shot at point-blank range in their patrol car over in Compton, California, a couple of weeks ago, a small group of car enthusiasts began a grassroots effort to organize a “National COPS Cruise.” Saturday, Oct. 3 is the day that was chosen for people nationwide to show their support for their local law enforcement agencies. Lots of car clubs all over the nation are being invited to participate, and we just recently learned about this effort.

As a member of the Automotive/Restoration Club of Sun City West, I’m spearheading the efforts locally for us to participate in this event. But we’ve got a very short window in which to promote this.

Our cruise route is scheduled to pass by three local agencies to show our support for them — the Sun City West Posse, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office District 2 substation and the Surprise Police Department. I’ve contacted the three agencies and all three are on board with our plan.

The Trinity Bible Church, at the corner of R.H. Johnson Boulevard and 151st Avenue has graciously agreed to allow us to use their parking lot as a gathering place, and that’s where we’ll be starting our cruise. After just a few short announcements, we plan on leaving at about 10:15 a.m. We’ll then proceed to the Sun City West Posse facility. From the Posse building we’ll travel down R.H. Johnson Boulevard and over to MCSO at Bell and Dysart roads. Then we’ll head over to the city of Surprise Police Department. We’ll then return to Sun City West via Bell Road.

The cruise route is approximately 12 miles and we should finish around 12:30 p.m.

Maricopa County Supervisor Clint Hickman’s office has already been notified.

Please note that in light of these times, we are specifically instructing all participants that this is not to be a political rally.

We request that there be no political signage. People’s support for law enforcement should be nonpolitical, so please let’s keep it that way. However, we are encouraging participants to decorate their vehicles to show their appreciation for the members of law enforcement, and vehicles of any type are welcome to join us!

We all know that our residents rely heavily on our law enforcement agencies and Posse to maintain our local communities as safe and secure as they possibly can be. These organizations are vital to preserving the peaceful retirement lifestyle we enjoy.

Jim Swanson
Sun City West