CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – Lieutenant Katherine Thompson of the Champaign Police Department is leading an advance team for the Cycle Across Illinois, a 300-mile bike ride dedicated to raising funds for the families of officers killed in the line of duty.

Now in its 20th year, Cycle Across Illinois supports Illinois Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing trauma counseling, financial aid, and long-term support to those left behind. Each year, between 140 and 160 law enforcement officers lose their lives while serving their communities.

As an Advance Team Leader, Lt. Thompson is part of the critical caravan that sets up hydration stations, transports gear, and ensures logistical safety from southern Illinois to Chicago. Every person helping with the ride – including Lt. Thompson – are volunteering their time, from planning through the final stretch – to raise awareness and funds for this important cause. The ride finishes at 3:55 p.m. on Sunday, July 13, at Chicago Police Headquarters.

Thompson says she has witnessed this organization literally save lives. “Behind the scenes, they never ask for recognition, they are just the helpers. If you suffer a Line of Duty Death, you don’t know who they are at first, but they are the first group to show up to the hospital and provide comfort with presence, K9 comfort animals, and water, because no one is thinking about that when the worst happens.”

The ride begins Thursday, July 10, at Holiday Inn Champaign, with stops along the way, including in Springfield, Bloomington, and finally Chicago. A motorcade escort accompanies the riders at every stage, and trauma-trained personnel are present at each stop for safety.

One longtime rider, Jane McMillen, lost her son in the line of duty. She rides with another son, while her husband helps on the advance team and her daughter manages event media.

The first dedication to a fallen officer is for Illinois State Trooper Corey Thompsen. There is a dedication at each stop along the ride to honor an officer killed in the line of duty. Lt. Katherine Thompson says she is so humbled to be a member of this incredible organization that works so hard to alleviate the pain of those left behind. “I have seen Law Enforcement Officer survivors attend trauma-informed training/retreats/classes, and I have witnessed family survivors share their stories of the ride saving their lives.” 

The team is still about $2,500 short of last year’s fundraising total and is encouraging donations at https://givebutter.com/ILCOPS. To donate or learn more, visit www.ilcops.org/cycleacrossillinois or text/call 217-202-5212.