Porterdale Police Sgt. Jason Cripps and his wife Holly recently organized the second We Ride to Provide motorcycle fundraiser for the Porterdale Police Department.
The brainchild of Holly quickly became something the couple worked on in a 50-50 partnership. Holly likened the first event to giving birth to a baby saying, “You carry the thing around for nine months and just hope it doesn’t come out ugly.”
The first event was a success and this year, even more riders participated. The increased participation was in part due to an unfortunate circumstance — the death of Rockdale County Sheriff’s Deputy Brian Mahaffey.
Seven days before the event, Deputy Mahaffey was killed serving a warrant. Upon hearing the news, Holly and Jason immediately made plans to erect a memorial tent at the motorcycle ride in order to collect money for the slain deputy’s family.
They were able to donate $1,000 to his widow.
The entire motorcycle unit of the RCSO participated in the event. Holly said that one of the deputies told her that the ride and memorial, including Porterdale’s first-ever 21 gun salute, helped him begin the healing process.
Holly and Jason were also able to collect enough funds for the event’s original purpose, which was to purchase much needed safety equipment for Porterdale Police officers.
The couple plans to hold another bike ride fundraiser for the Porterdale Fire Department in the fall. Holly hopes that soon she will be able to help other small public safety departments in the state organize these types of rides.
We wish the Cripps all the best in their revved up endeavors.
