MILTON — The Blue Knights Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club’s Blackwater chapter is raising funds for a monument honoring Florida law enforcement officers at the state’s highest elevation point in Walton County.
Bill Brandenburg, the chapter’s president and founder, said the June 25 ‘Cops on Top’ memorial event — which takes place throughout the country — features law enforcement officers and supporters traveling to the highest point in their state to honor fallen lawmen who have died in the line of duty.
“It is held the last Saturday in June because in several states the highest point is not accessible until then,” Brandenburg said.
While there are no mountains to climb in Florida, the state’s highest elevated point is just a few counties over at Lakewood Park in Walton County — home of Britton Hill, which is listed at 345 feet above sea level.
Brandenburg said the local Blue Knights chapter plans to collect funds to place a monument memorializing fallen law enforcement officers throughout the state.
“We want to make it something respectful, because for the families of a fallen law enforcement officer, (the loss) follows them for a long time,” he said.
The monument is still in the early stages of development, Brandenburg said, adding the club aims to work with Walton County officials and seek sponsorships from businesses.
The local Blue Knights chapter is part of an international club that works to improve the motorcycle community’s image and gives back to local communities.
“(The) Blackwater chapter supports the Santa Rosa Kids House, Santa Fly-In at the Milton Airport and other charities as they arise,” Brandenburg said.
The 63-mile ‘Cops on Top’ ride starts at McKenzie Motors in Milton, travels through Okaloosa County, and ends at the park.
For those wanting to participate, who do not ride motorcycles, Goodtime Tours of Pensacola will provide a bus for the round trip.
A ceremony, to take place upon participants’ arrival at Britton Hill, will include recognizing each fallen officer.
Lunch will be provided at 4C BBQ in DeFuniak Springs. The event will also include an auction of donated items and a 50-50 drawing.
WANT TO RIDE?
WHAT: The 4th Annual ‘Cops on Top’ Memorial Ride from Milton to Lakeland Park in Walton County
WHEN: Onsite registration begins at 7:30 a.m.; kick stands go up at 9:30 a.m. on June 25.
WHERE: McKenzie Buick-GMC, 6500 Caroline St., Milton
COST: $20 per rider, $10 per passenger
CONTACT: Bill Brandenburg, iceburg6@yahoo.com, or Ron Castle, ron.bk31@yahoo.com
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Funds sought for monument honoring law enforcement officers