South East Police Motorcycle Rodeo to Benefit C.O.P.S. (Concerns of Police Survivors) to Take Place April 27 at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

policeSeminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood and the Seminole Tribe of Florida will present the South East Police Motorcycle Rodeo from April 23 – 27, 2013, with the main event to be held April 27 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Awards Banquet will immediately follow at 6 p.m. in the Seminole Hard Rock ballroom. The free event spotlighting local and out-of-state competitors revving-up their engines to maneuver various courses while practicing safe driving tactics will benefit C.O.P.S. (Concerns of Police Survivors), an organization dedicated to helping children and families who have lost loved ones in the line of duty, and other charities.

Approximately 150 riders from over 20 agencies throughout Florida and the East Coast will compete for the top honor title of Mr. Rodeo 2013. This year’s participants will include motorcycle units from the Seminole, Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs, Boca Raton and Miami-Dade Police Departments as well as the Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach Sheriff’s Offices. Out-of-area teams from as far away as Maryland and Sarasota are also expected at this year’s event.

 

Past Mr. Rodeo winners who have demonstrated professional finesse and a caring championship spirit include Deputy David Sciandra from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (2012, 2009), Broward Sheriff’s Office Deputy Kevin Anderson (2011)  and current Rodeo President and Officer Don Solinger from the Fort Lauderdale Police Department (2010).

 

“As a motor officer you are very visible to the citizens in the community. At the end of the day, this training makes us all better and safer riders which enable us to do the best job possible for our respective agencies,” said Deputy Sciandra. “There is no greater feeling than to be able to help families at a time when a family member has made the ultimate sacrifice. C.O.P.S (Concerns of Police Survivors) is what we are all about.”

 

Added Deputy Anderson,Through the years, I have competed in 18 Police Motorcycle Rodeos. The main reason I compete in these events is to raise money for C.O.P.S. I feel no better joy than to help these families who have lost loved ones in the line of duty. This is what makes it truly special and unique for me.”

 

Officer Don Solinger also shared his thoughts about the importance of the event and being a role model in the community.

 

“For 12 years, I have enjoyed working in South Florida as a police officer and I’ve been fortunate to ride with and against some of the best in the world,” Solinger said. “Having served as a past Mr. Rodeo winner at The 2010 South East Police Motorcycle Rodeo, I recognize that our long and hard training is invaluable and could save lives on the road. What we do, here, goes beyond our daily police work. We have a larger responsibility to give back to the community and to help those in need. C.O.P.S. (Concerns of Police Survivors) is there for the families of our brothers and sisters in law enforcement who have made the ultimate sacrifice and in return, we are here for them.”

 

A variety of food, a Kids Zone and a multitude of family-friendly activities will be available for the general public to enjoy while watching the law enforcement officers compete. Guests are also encouraged to visit sponsor and informational booths such as Rider Links, Inc., a non-profit organization whose mission is  to promote organ and tissue donation to newly licensed drivers through high school driver education, motorcycle endorsement classes and experienced driver safety education.

 

In addition to funds raised for C.O.P.S., the motorcycle rodeo will benefit other charities including Tamarac Police Explorers, US Customs Explorers, Law Enforcement United, Abi’s Place, Cody’s Angels, Towers With A Heart and several other local charities, through sponsorship, a public silent auction and raffle. One of the prize highlights is a 2013 Harley-Davidson X883 Iron Edition Sportster Motorcycle with a Ramp Free Motorcycle Trailer, donated by Bruce Rossmeyer’s Harley-Davidson and Ramp Free Motorcycle Trailers Sales and Rentals.  Raffle tickets can be purchased during the rodeo for $1 per ticket (or 25 for $20).

 

The South East Police Motorcycle Rodeo is sponsored by the Seminole Tribe of Florida and Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood.  Additional sponsors include Bruce Rossmeyer’s Harley-Davidson, Ramp Free Trailers, Anidjar & Levine, P.A., Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge/Ram/Subaru of North Broward, Florida Department of Transportation, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Premier Beverage Company, Gold Coast Beverages, Pepsi Beverages Company, BIG 105.9 FM Radio, The Life Family of Publications – Boca/Delray Life, Parkland/Coral Springs Life and Coconut Creek Life, the Sheriff’s Foundation of Broward, Liguori’s Fired Up!, Papa John’s Pizza, Laser Technology, Miami Subs Grill and Coventry Health Care.

 

While viewing for the main competition is free, tickets for the Awards Banquet are $40 per person and include a cocktail hour, an open bar, a $20 Game Play ticket and a buffet. A silent auction and awards for the riders and teams including the induction of the new Mr. Rodeo 2013 will be featured. To purchase tickets, please contact Linda Brown at 954-288-7201 or at Lindabrownevents@aol.com.

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