Police partners from across Windsor-Essex kicked off a day of purpose, reflection, and determination at St. Clair College for the first leg of Ontario Tour De Force.
The Tour De Force series brings together cyclists and runners from all walks of life to move with purpose, remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
"Through unity, respect, and determination, we ride to ensure their legacy lives on," reads an excerpt on the Ontario Tour De Force website.
The event spans over a few weekends at five different events, with the first one kicking off in Windsor at St. Clair College on May 23, 2026.
"OPP, Windsor Police and other community partners and police agencies participated in this year's ride, which started at St. Clair's SportsPlex," said Windsor Police Sgt. Adam Young, who said off-duty police and other community bicycle riders embarked on one of two options: a 57 km route and a 110 km route.
"This is a very solemn event for police officers to reflect on what we do every day and what the potential consequences can be for what we're doing for our community, our friends, and our families," Sgt. Young said. "We're out there laying it on the line for people, and they don't see that all the time. And this is a reminder for people that police officers are out there to protect you. And unfortunately, sometimes we must pay the ultimate sacrifice."
Sgt. Young said the ride was especially poignant because they just honoured the 20th anniversary since the killing of Windsor Police Const. John Atkinson, a 14-year police veteran who died in the line of duty on May 5, 2006.
"This one hit close to home for a lot of people here in Windsor. Shelley Atkinson and other people that have lost loved ones due to the job were there, and it really hits home and has an emotional impact," Sgt. Young said. "It's hard to articulate until you're actually there."
Police Chief Jason Crowley along Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner Thomas Carrique completed the route, despite the pouring rain and wind – recognizing they were riding with the strength of their lost colleagues and friends at their backs.
Sgt. Young thanked St. Clair College for its support of the initiative, along with the College's support of several other events over the years.
"Windsor Police has been a partner with St. Clair College on numerous events, and it's just an amazing partnership with the College," he said. "It's just been a wonderful experience for the Windsor Police for at least the past 15 years with the school, so we appreciate everything that the school does and the support they give us."
The Tour De Force concludes with a ‘Ride to Remember,' an annual, multiday, 700 kilometre cycling trip from the Ontario Police College in Aylmer, Ont. to Parliament Hill in Ottawa.
Officers from Windsor and surrounding regions plan to participate to pay tribute to their fallen colleagues and raise funds.
Proceeds collected from the events will be donated to the Survivors of Law Enforcement (SOLE) and the Ontario Police Memorial Foundation.
