L to R: Lt Bruce Doras, Auxiliary Trooper Frank, Trooper Daryl Davis,
Auxiliary Trooper Sonny Carter, Trooper Tim Wood, Lt. Tony Bartolome,
and Trooper Wanda Diaz

Recently, FHP participated in the annual Tour de Force police charity bicycle ride, which began in North Miami Beach and ended in Daytona Beach Shores. The Tour was a five-day ride that averaged approximately 50-55 miles each day and the goal was to raise $20,000.

The Tour de Force is a fully supported ride with police escorts provided by the Florida Highway Patrol, Sheriff's Departments and Police Agencies throughout the state. Last year over 500 law enforcement personnel from across the state participated with 32 riders completing the entire 270-mile trek to Daytona Beach Shores. Lt. Antonio Bartolome, Troop Q/Orlando, and Lt. Bruce Doras, Troop C/Tampa, have ridden in years past and made the trip again this year.

The inaugural 1997 Tour was dedicated to Trooper Robert Smith who was killed in the line of duty by a drunk driver. The Tour, which has grown in size each year, is proud to announce that as a non-profit charity organization, it has raised over $87,000 for families of fallen officers and law enforcement related organizations.

The participants in the ride stand in front of
the American Police Hall of Fame in Titusville.

This year's tour will benefit the families of all fallen Florida Law Enforcement Officers that were lost in the line of duty during 2006. The FHP thanks all the participants in the 2006 ride and the troopers, including auxiliary troopers, who helped with the safe escort of these riders.