Today, 08/04/19,in Greenport Village, Long Island,motorcycle units of the NYPD,NCPD,SCPD and NY state, along with concerned civilians, numbering in the hundreds,gathered after a run to celebrate the life, and to reflect on the passing of former NYPD Inspector Mike Ameri, who took his life in May of 2016.
gallery Neil Miller /nysportsextra
Mike Ameri was the friend of NYPD Inspector Rich Green ,that started this memorial run in 2016 to honor his memory, and to create a group to promote awareness of the epidemic in !st responders,and to financially and emotionally support the families of officers and other 1st responders that take their own lives.
Inspector Green riders group is called the Sworn Guns, which ran the event today. Many,many other law enforcement rider groups from all over the tri-state area participated in todays event.
Rich and I talked during the event,where he stressed the importance of outreach to officers at risk and how to remove the stigma of 1st responders asking for help, and reading the signs of at risk officers.Rich said”If you know someone that is considering suicide dont hesitate to help them.A day, an hour ,a minute may too late to save a life”
Rich’s group gives financial support to children of fallen officers for their education.Rich also talked about a bill at the federal level,if signed, would provide funds for research,prevention and treatment for 1st responders.
gallery Neil Miller /nysportsextra
Todays outpouring of brotherhood between these officers that share the same duties and stresses of police,fire ,EMT ,only helps to highlight the difficulties of their jobs, and the negative outcome that sometimes happens.Inspector Green hopes that his efforts along with others at the local and national level will raise awareness of this disease so that no one that serves feels ashamed to ask for help if needed.Let us all ask God to guide and help this brave men and women who protect us each and every day.
