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Hernando Today

Motorcycle Run To Benefit Aspiring Cops

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By KYLE MARTIN

Hernando Today

Published: September 5, 2008

WEEKI WACHEE - Area motorcyclists are invited to rev up some support for fallen law enforcement officers.

The American People Against Cop Killers, known as APACK, is hosting a motorcycle run this Saturday. Bikers will travel from the Winn-Dixie parking lot at Interstate 75 and State Road 50 to the Weeki Wachee Springs attraction on U.S. 19.

Jerry Jennings, president of the group, expects a big turnout.

"I've been swamped with calls," he said, even from folks out of state.

This year's motorcycle run is in memory of Tampa Police Department Detectives Randy Bell and Ricky Childers and Florida Highway Patrol Trooper James Crooks. The officers were killed in the line of duty 10 years ago.

The young group has only held a handful of benefits before and most of the profits have only served to break even. Jennings expects this time around will be different because there will be at least 20 vendors and a bigger crowd.

Proceeds will go towards scholarships for students in the police academy.
APACK was established in the memory of Lonnie Coburn, a Hernando County sheriff's deputy who was shot to death 30 years ago.

The organization has gained recognition among the law enforcement community, but Jennings encourages the public to attend and "find out who we are and what we do."

A pre-ride party will be held at 6 p.m. Friday at the tiki bar at Weeki Wachee Springs.

John Athanason, spokesman for Weeki Wachee Springs, said the attraction was quick to support the event.

"This organization helps the local community," he said.

Area motorcyclists are invited to rev up some support for fallen law enforcement officers.

The American People Against Cop Killers, known as APACK, is hosting a motorcycle run this Saturday. Bikers will travel from the Winn-Dixie parking lot at Interstate 75 and State Road 50 to the Weeki Wachee Springs attraction on U.S. 19.

Jerry Jennings, president of the group, expects a big turnout.

"I've been swamped with calls," he said, even from folks out of state.

This year's motorcycle run is in memory of Tampa Police Department Detectives Randy Bell and Ricky Childers and Florida Highway Patrol Trooper James Crooks. The officers were killed in the line of duty 10 years ago.

The young group has only held a handful of benefits before and most of the profits have only served to break even. Jennings expects this time around will be different because there will be at least 20 vendors and a bigger crowd.

Proceeds will go towards scholarships for students in the police academy.
APACK was established in the memory of Lonnie Coburn, a Hernando County sheriff's deputy who was shot to death 30 years ago.

The organization has gained recognition among the law enforcement community, but Jennings encourages the public to attend and "find out who we are and what we do."

A pre-ride party will be held at 6 p.m. today at the tiki bar at Weeki Wachee Springs.

John Athanason, spokesman for Weeki Wachee Springs, said the attraction was quick to support the event.

"This organization helps the local community," he said.

If you go:

What: American People Against Cop Killers Motorfest.

When: Pre-ride party begins at 6 p.m. tomorrow at Weeki Wachee Springs at the corner of U.S. 19 and State Road 50. Motorcycle run begins at 11 a.m. in the Winn-Dixie parking lot at S.R. 50 and Interstate 75.

For more information: http://www.apack-inc.org.

Reporter Kyle Martin can be reached at 352-544-5271 or kmartin@hernandotoday.com. Reporter Kyle Martin can be reached at 352-544-5271 or kmartin@hernandotoday.com.

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