Sunday marks two years since the death of Austin Police Officer Jaime Padron.
Officer Padron was killed in the line of duty after responding to a North Austin Walmart on April 6, 2012. This year Padron’s family, friends, and colleagues are honoring his legacy in a special way.
Family and friends of Officer Jaime Padron say he loved motorcycles, so to celebrate his legacy the law enforcement motorcycle group, The Blue Knights, are doing a 1,000 mile scholarship ride. The riders will stop in six cities across Texas in 24 hours.
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As the motorcycles came rolling into Austin, family and friends of Officer Jaime Padron watched with pride.
“It’s what they call an Iron Butt which is a thousand mile run within 24 hours and that’s actually whats these bikes behind us are doing today,” Brian Bylsma said.
Bylsma is one of those riders and Padron’s former partner on The San Angelo Police Department.
“Jaime touched a lot of people in one way or another and its our way of reaching out and touching someone else,” said Bylsma.
So far, the ride has raised $5,000 in scholarship funds–the proceeds will help students at Padron’s old high school in his hometown of San Angelo.
Jaime’s personal motorcycle will also follow along the ride — driven by his brother. Officer Padron’s girlfriend, Amy Thomas says its the perfect way to honor a man she shared so many memories with.
“We spent a lot of time riding. It’s something that we loved to do together, so its hard,” said Amy.
The motorcycle began in San Angelo then riders traveled to Austin. They will also visit San Antonio, Houston, Waco, and Big Spring before returning to San Angelo.