[July 28, 2012]    

April 5, 1994, is a day Carrie Dorwart will never forget and one that her son doesn't remember. It was the day their husband and father was killed while on duty. Dorwart remembers it was a snowstorm in April. Her husband was on duty, driving, when a car came toward him, lost control and crashed into him head-on. Her husband was announced dead at the scene, and the other driver died the next day.

Dorwart's son, Keith, was only 3 years old. Dorwart said there was no Illinois chapter of C.O.P.S. then. It wasn't until her son was 11 that they began to get involved with the organization. Dorwart said her son attended one of the child survivor retreats.  She also got a chance to attend meetings with widows.

The Dorwarts have been participating in the ride for eight years. The first year Carrie hosted a pit stop, and since then she has been a rider.

Keith remained active in the retreats through his teen years and this year is serving as a retreat mentor, working with 7-year-olds.

Pictures by Nila Smith

Carrie and Keith Dorwart ride every year in memory and honor of their husband and father Craig Dorwart.

Though Friday was certainly not as hot as some days we've seen, fluids were still very much needed for the long rides.

 

Around the lawn, several riders were seen doing different things to stretch and relax their tired muscles.

Riders gather around the coolers.