Law enforcement, veterans and more participate in Back the Blue Benefit Ride for Deputy Jon Samuelson
LA PORTE, Ind. — Officers in blue across Indiana banded together to support Deputy Jon Samuelson who was shot three times on Friday in Michigan City, after initially helping the suspect.
After Friday's tragic shooting of Deputy Samuelson, the community was left with one piece of good news, after eight long hours in surgery, Deputy Samuelson is in critical but stable condition. The support continues for him and his family with events like this back the blue benefit bike ride with all proceeds going straight to the Samuelson family.
The Back the Blue Benefit Ride Started at the La Porte County Sheriff's Office, made its way to Franciscan Health in Michigan City where Deputy Jon Samuelson was shot, then ended at Memorial Hospital in South Bend.
Curtis Mordus, a former Marine with Warriors Oath of Plymouth, says there was no doubt in his mind that this needed to happen today.
"Military, law enforcement, firefighters, we all speak a fluent language. We all do things for the greater good, and we accept those responsibilities and those sacrifices on a daily basis," said Mordus.
While all participants are happy to dedicate their day to this cause, the fact that Deputy Samuelson helped the person accused of turning the gun on him is difficult for Mordus to swallow.
"I know there's a few veterans, myself included, we were trying to help people and that has turned bad for us in the process, so that really hits hard at home for some of us."
The fundraiser ride included an entry fee for everyone. Riders and cages, or cars were both $20. Backpacks or passengers, $10.
"Our goal here is to just come up with some extra funding, even if it buys a meal for his family, buys five meals for his family, pays for a little bit gas going back and forth to the hospital, because I'm pretty sure that they're La Porte County residents, and Jon is currently sitting in South Bend, so you know, gas getting back and forth, any support helps, and that's what we're trying to do here," Mordus explained.
The trip to South Bend was even more special because they went to sing happy birthday to Deputy Samuelson. Today he turns 34. Officers went on a 33-mile run today for Deputy Samuelson since that's what he wanted to do for his birthday.
The South Bend Police Department is also hosting an online meal train for the Samuelson family while they support him and his recovery at Memorial Hospital in South Bend. To offer a meal for the family, click here.