Sussex 4×4 Response assists Ride of Respect October 2019
A Ride of Respect was held on the 27th Oct 19 in memory of PC Andrew Harper who was killed whilst on duty investigating a burglary.
While a number of serving officers have been killed in the line of duty, this incident touched the hearts of many as Andrew was newly married.
The idea of a Ride of Respect was first posted on Facebook by a young lady Sian Sloper, who was very quickly swamped with offers of support and as there was to be a degree of expenditure it was decided that all bikers should register and pay a nominal fee, this was done by over 4,000+ bikes, trikes and scooters.
Sussex 4×4 Response became involved when the idea of supporting the ride was mooted by the Hertfordshire 4×4 Response team.
It soon became a national 4×4 response event with responders signing up from across the country including those as far away as Wales.
On the day there were some 51 4×4 responders involved.
All the 4×4 teams met at Abingdon Airfield and after a briefing were deployed to marshalling points along the route, the teams were split up so that each marshalling point had a local responder who would know the area. This was the first time the 4×4 response teams had been able to stay in contact during an event via new digital communications.
The riders who had met at RAF Benson were sent off in groups of around 300 and the individual marshalling points were able to report on the progress of the groups, the riders had been advised to look for the 4×4 teams at the marshalling points if they needed assistance. Many riders acknowledged the marshall’s as they went by and in some instances the marshalls were able not only to help riders but also interfaced with the public to explain what was happening and what could be expected; especially at road junctions as no road closures were put in place.
Once the last group of riders were passing the marshalling points, the 4×4 responders were asked to join in at the end of the group and convoy to the Airfield where they joined the bikers for refreshments.
The grandparents and sister of PC Andrew Harper were there, along with Sian Sloper and they thanked the 4×4 responders for the support given. The family were overwhelmed by the turn out and the show of support witnessed; Andrew’s wife was a pillion passenger on a bike owned by Andrew; ridden by his brother and who took the lead on the day.
The total number of bikes reported varies between 5,000 to 6,000, but whatever the number it was a magnificent show of support for the Police. This was a unique set of circumstances and may not be achieved again in the near future, but it did give 4×4 Response a chance to operationaly test our national communications system and a number of things were learned.
Thanks to all the 4×4 Responders and bikers who freely gave up their time to show their support.