Baugh riding in memorial COPS event

Friday, May 25, 2007

Assistant Editor

CLOVERDALE -- Jason Baugh has a passion for bicycling.

But from June 18-30, the ride he will take part in will mean even more.

For those 13 days, the Cloverdale Police Department Patrolman will take part in the Cycling for Indiana Chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS).

Baugh will join 24 other participants and additional part-time riders for a ride that spans more than 1,000 miles around the state.

The purpose of the bicycle ride is to raise awareness and financial support for COPS, a support group for survivors of fallen police officers.

Baugh will ride in honor of his father, former Putnam County Sheriff's Capt. James Baugh, who died in the line of duty.

"Indiana COPS is a great organization and this event is extremely important to our family," Baugh said.

He will also ride in honor of Indiana State Police Lt. Gary Dudley, who was killed during last year's event along with rider Gary Martin.

"(Dudley) was my inspiration while getting back into cycling last summer," Baugh said. "He not only gave pointers and checked on my progress, he convinced me to ride a few of the last days of the 2006 tour, which unfortunately never happened.

"Now, I can give back. I've been on both sides. It means a lot to give back."

Baugh said he had planned to ride in the event last year, but "wasn't really in shape to ride." He said he has lost a lot of weight through biking in the past year.

The event is scheduled to start June 18 at the Indiana Police Officers Memorial in Indianapolis. Prior to the ride, the COPS cycling group will visit with survivors of Indiana's most recent officers lost in the line of duty and those lost in previous years.

The riders will average 70-75 miles daily, spending seven to eight hours per day on a bicycle. The event will conclude June 30 at Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis.

The COPS cycling group will make two stops at the ISP Post in Putnamville for the Putnam County Fraternal Order of Police sponsored lunch on the first and final days of the tour.

The riders will pass through Putnam County on U.S. 40 and possibly detour to Capt. Baugh's gravesite if time allows.

Funds raised from the bicycle ride will provide:

  • Financial assistance to family members of fallen officers by helping defray the costs associated with National Police Week and National COPS hands-on programs for children, siblings, parents, adult children and spouses of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty,

  • Needs associated with criminal trials,

  • Long-term, ongoing support of all survivors, and

  • Business and support meeting needs of the Indiana Chapter of COPS.

    Although Baugh is set to take part in the drive, he said he's still in need of additional sponsors.

    "Cloverdale, the police department, and all of Putnam County are truly coming together for this effort. I'm impressed with the contributions so far."

    Baugh said those who are interested in sponsoring him in the ride may contact him at 653-6122 for forms or by visiting www.jimbaugh.com/cops.

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