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News Release
May 19, 2016

TABC Sergeant Helps Raise Money for Families of Fallen Peace Officers

A Bryan-College Station-area officer of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission joined more than 70 riders during a 150-mile bike ride to raise money for families of fallen peace officers.

Sergeant Jeff Farmer of TABC's Bryan office was among the riders on the route from Katy to Austin who took part in the second annual Texas Peace Officers Memorial Ride. The ride honored all fallen Texas peace officers and their families while raising money for Texas Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.). C.O.P.S. is a national non-profit group which supports families of fallen peace officers. The group assists with counseling and support for surviving family members, and provides training for law enforcement departments on how to better respond to the loss of a member.

This year's ride took place over two days and raised more than $40,000 in support of C.O.P.S., Farmer said.

"It was truly an honor to take part in a great cause and help raise money and awareness for this outstanding organization," said Farmer. "The Bryan-College Station area has a reputation of supporting law enforcement, and I was proud to represent the community during the ride."

The ride began in Katy, with cyclists making their way to La Grange for an overnight stop before continuing to Austin the next day. The two-day trek ended with a candlelight vigil for fallen officers on the Texas Capitol grounds.

Farmer thanked the donors and sponsors who helped make the fundraiser the most successful to date.

"This memorial ride demonstrates just how much the community supports its peace officers," he said. "I'm grateful to everyone who gave donations or support during the ride this year. I'm looking forward to an even bigger event in 2017."

Two TABC agents have fallen during the agency's 80-year history:

  • Agent Delbert Pearson, a 20-year veteran of TABC, died while confronting a suspected illegal whiskey trafficker near Clarksville on January 18, 1973.
  • Agent Joseph Jay Crews joined TABC's ranks in January of 1979. He died in a vehicle collision while on duty September 1, 1979.

Media Contact:Chris Porter TABC Public Information Officer (512) 206-3462