'Lost Saints' ready for ride to D.C. that honors fallen lawmen

A group of area law enforcement officers will give tribute to their fallen comrades with a motorcycle run to Washington, D.C. to celebrate "National Police Week" May 10 to 16 and to honor those killed in the line of duty.

Calling themselves the Lost Saints Motorcycle Club, the goal is to raise awareness and cash for C.O.P.S. (Concerns of Police Survivors) an organization that provides resources to rebuild shattered lives, and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, which supports the families of fallen comrades.

Each year nearly 160 officers are killed in the line of duty while loved ones and co-workers cope with the losses, says Hoffman Estates Police Officer Joe Kruschel, president of the Saints.

The 1400-mile round-trip maiden run of the Saints will take them to Washington D.C. to join 10,000 other riders in the National Law Ride at 11 a.m. Sunday, May 10, from RFK Stadium to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. The Law Ride is the kickoff for National Police Week May 10-16.

"We are motorcyclists who just happen to be cops," Kruschel said.

Others making the law ride are charter members Sgt. Mike Collins of the Hoffman Estates Police Department and Sgt. David Wermes and Officer Christy Lindhurst of the Schaumburg Police Department. The newer riders are Hoffman Estates Deputy Chief Steve Casstevens and Schaumburg Deputy Chief Paul Rizzo. Hoffman Estates officers Chris Braun and Gary Sears also are members of the Original Six.

"Our Illinois 'Saints' will take part in the candlelight vigil Wednesday (May 13) evening," said Wermes, club secretary. "We especially will honor our own (Schaumburg) Officer Frank Russo, a 19-year veteran who recently died in the line of duty."

With an aim to pick up other police cyclists along the route, the Saints will take two days to travel to the Capitol.

The Lost Saints Motorcycle Club got its moniker during a nine-state trip when the travelers got lost in Gatlinburg, TN, an ordeal that resulted in camaraderie, adventure, jokes and meeting area residents to seek directions. Their goal was the ride to North Carolina's Deal's Gap - famous to riders for the Gap's dangerous blind curves and steep hills.

"We decided to take the spirit of that ride and form the club," Kruschel said.

Philosophizing, Kruschel said, "On the road of life we sometimes lack skill to navigate so in many ways we become lost as we do the work of many."

In their life's work police officers "do the work of many," he added, as referees, counselors and role models.

"We are warriors against injustice," he said. "We are saints to some and heretics to others so we are the Lost Saints."

In part the Saints' mission statement calls the group "a family-oriented independent law enforcement club not affiliated with outlaw clubs."

"We may be bikers but we are still lawmen," Kruschel said. "Let's ride."

How to participate, how to join

• You can make donations to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund by sending a check to the attention of Deputy Chief Steve Casstevens, Hoffman Estates Police Department, 1200 Gannon Drive, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169.

• The Saints' Original Six opens its ranks to full-time sworn officers of all police departments at its next meeting. 11 a.m. Monday, May 18 in a local restaurant. Details available at www.lostsaintsmc.com. or info@lostsaintsmc.com.