YARMOUTH _ The Yarmouth Police Department hosted the 3rd Annual First Responder Ride Saturday to honor the men and women of law enforcement.
Dozens of motorcycles hit the streets of Cape Cod following an opening ceremony that featured an appearance by Bourne Police Officer Jared McDonald, who was shot in the line in duty.
“It’s just great to be able to get out here and get a good side of our first responders out to the public,” he said.
Adrian Loya of Maryland is accused of shooting McDonald in a rampage last February that left a woman dead and her spouse wounded. McDonald is continuing his recovery at home after spending weeks in the hospital.
“I’m feeling pretty good. I’m up walking, feeling pretty good. It’s nice to be home and get back to the community to see everybody,” he told CapeCod.com, just before speaking at opening ceremonies for the ride.
Yarmouth Police Chief Frank Frederickson said Saturday’s ride in honor of the law enforcement community was especially poignant following the decision by a federal jury on Friday to sentence convicted Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev to death.
“What’s important is that this ride is a visible and loud symbol of support for all first responders who are constantly on duty to provide routine emergency services to all,” said Frederickson.
Riders followed a route through Yarmouth, down Rt. 6A to Orleans and back to Yarmouth via Rt. 28.
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