Cops bike 260 miles for victims of 9/11 BY MICHAEL ACKER Staff Writer Sayreville Police Officers stand in front of the New York City skyline Sept. 9, preparing for their weekend-long bike trip on the Tour de Force to the Pentagon in honor of those lost on 9/11. From left to right are Patrolman Keith Grausam, Lt. John Zebrowski and Sgt. Sean O'Donnell. SAYREVILLE - Several local police officers participated in an annual fundraiser last week that took them on the bike path from ground zero to the Pentagon in honor of 9/11 victims and their families. The seven officers from the Sayreville and Middletown police departments were among more than 100 cops who pedaled for the fifth anniversary of the Tour de Force, which was created by New York City police officers in 2002 to honor those who lost their lives on 9/11. The bike tour, on its way south, winded its way through Main Street, Jernee Mill Road and Bordentown Avenue in Sayreville, and Route 527 and Matawan Road in Old Bridge. "It was a great experience," Patrolman Keith Grausam said during a phone call from Arlington, Va., Monday after completing the 260-mile trek. Currently in his first year of service with the Sayreville Police Department, Grausam said the 9/11 terrorist attacks affected everyone, leading to these officers' participation in the benefit bike ride. Another reason he decided to bike for the cause was the loss of a firefighter on 9/11 who served with him in the same Marine Corps unit. "9/11 had a huge effect on people," Grausam said. Grausam road alongside fellow Sayreville police officers Sgt. Sean O'Donnell and Lt. John Zebrowski. They were joined by Lt. Joseph Capriotti, Detective Gerald Weimer, Detective Jeff Barner and Lt. Graig Weber of the Middletown Police Department. The officers biked approximately 80 miles a day until they reached their destination, according to O'Donnell, who has been a police officer for the last 13 years. The group made a stop in Washington D.C., to pay their respects in prayer at the national law enforcement memorial early Monday morning. O'Donnell said this was his first time participating in the fundraiser, but he does not expect it to be his last. "It went great," O'Donnell said. "Everyone arrived here safe. I plan to continue to make this a yearly event and encourage others to take the tour as well." The officers participated in the memorial service at the Pentagon, which O'Donnell said was attended by police officers from Colorado, Virginia, Delaware, Maryland and Canada. In addition to raising money for the families of victims, O'Donnell noted that the event raises public awareness of the ongoing problems that survivors still endure. Zebrowski, who has been on the force for 19 years, said he enjoyed the trip with his fellow officers. "It went very well, very smoothly," he said. "It was enjoyable. There is a lot of camaraderie between all of the participants." He said he wants to do the trip again next year, when the route will go in reverse, starting at the Pentagon and ending at ground zero. "It was an absolutely wonderful experience," Zebrowski said. "We are going to try to encourage more of the police officers in our department to participate in it as well. The cause cannot be any better." For more information or to make a donation, visit the tour's Web site at www.tourdeforceny.com