Page 24 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • September 8, 2010 Area Local police officer takes 9/11 memorial tour by Jennifer Crusco Pete Tiernan, the Ho-Ho-Kus Police Department’s motorcycle officer, recently participated in the America’s 9/11 Foundation motorcycle ride. The ride was organized as a memorial tour, and participants visit each of the three sites that experienced impact from the four airplanes during the Sept. 11, 2011 terrorist attack: the World Trade Center site in lower Manhattan, the Pentagon, and the crash site in Shankville, Pennsylvania. “I left Bergen Harley Davidson in Rochelle Park with Bill Wallace from the Edgewater PD, Joe Turner from the Lyndhurst PD, Rich Skinner from the Washington Township PD, and four civilian bikers,” Tiernan reported. “We rode out to Clinton, where we met about 100 cyclists and headed out to Shankville, Pennsylvania.” The following day, Tiernan’s group was part of 350 to 400 other motorcyclists who were traveling toward the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. “Before getting to D.C., we rode through the small town of Leesburg, Virginia, where the whole town was lining the route, waving flags and holding banners honoring those from 9/11,” Tiernan said, adding, “It was the most emotional part of the ride.” The third, and final, leg of the tour was the trip to New York City, where Tiernan said approximately 700 participants had gathered. “We converged on Times Square for a quick ceremony, and finished with a ride to Ground Zero,” he said. Tiernan described the tour as “800 miles of emotions and pride,” adding, “From Washington to New Jersey, fire departments were on every overpass cheering us on.” He noted that, during one recent ride, he and his companions were greeted by the stirring sight of an elderly couple who waved a flag as the riders passed them. Next year, as the country marks the tenth anniversary of 9/11, Tiernan said the foundation hopes to have 3,000 participants – approximately one for each person who died on Sept. 11. Last week, Tiernan praised the event’s organizers, noting that their advance preparations made it possible for him to continue the tour after he experienced a flat tire. He explained that the event sponsors keep a trailer on hand to aid anyone who breaks down and help to arrange repairs. HarleyDavidson repaired Tiernan’s bike and soon had him back on the road. Held each year since 2001, the memorial tour is also a fundraiser. Tiernan noted that the America’s 911 Foundation, which is based in Connecticut, raises money to support scholarships for active EMS, fire, and police personnel. A long-time motorcycle enthusiast, Tiernan passed the training course for motorcycle officers five years ago. The course is offered at the Bergen County Law & Public Safety Institute in Mahwah and is taught by the Maryland State Police. Tiernan signed up for the course in 2005 in order to prepare for the Ho-Ho-Kus Police Department’s acquisition of a motor- Joe Turner, Bill Wallace, Rich Skinner, and Pete Tiernan recently participated in the America’s 911 Foundation motorcycle ride, a memorial tour of the three Sept. 11, 2001 impact sites. cycle unit. The motorcycle he uses was later donated by two borough residents. The motorcycle training is designed for individuals who possess motorcycle licenses and provides instruction on maneuvering the vehicle in emergency situations. The course is popular, but is physically demanding and has a high dropout rate. After passing the course, Tiernan confirmed that participating in the training was among the most difficult things he had ever done. The motorcycle allows Tiernan to ride in several areas where a patrol car cannot be used, or might be difficult to use, such as behind buildings, along railroad tracks, and along the highway or local streets in heavy traffic situations. During the annual Junior Police Academy course held for Ho-Ho-Kus Public School students, Tiernan demonstrates how he maneuvers the motorcycle, and discusses how it is used for law enforcement. ��������������������� ������������� Waldwick Chamber of Commerce ���� ���� ���� ������������ ������������ ���������������� ������������������ ����������������������� ���������� ������������������ ��������������������������������������������� Waldwick Day Saturday, September 25 12-4 pm – Borough Park (Raindate: Sunday, September 26) 7th Annual ���������������������� ���������������������������� ���������������������� ����������������������� ��������������������������� ���������������������� ������������������������������ ��������������������������� ����������������� ����������������������� ������������������� ������������ Event Information Available At: www.waldwickchamberofcommerce.com EVENT SPONSORS: PLATINUM: Massage Envy Home Hardware Servpro of NW Bergen GOLD ������������ �������������������� �������������������������������� ����������������������������� ��������������� ������������ ������������ ������������� �������� ���������� ���������� ��������� Valley Health Medical Group R.F. Reveley Construction Corporation • Duck Derby Nellie’s Place • Oritani Bank Atlantic Stewardship Bank • Pie Eating Contest Walgreens • Waldwick Auto Body • Food Collection Steven Glickman DDS/David K. Christensen DMD for the Center for Generation III Food Action For Information, Call Kim Post, Chamber Secretary at 201-693-6734 SILVER Activities, Attractions and Entertainment sponsored by the Waldwick Chamber of Commerce and Waldwick Day sponsors. �������������������������� ���������������������� ����������