I ride for everyone that can’t. I’ve been involved with the Tour de Pier since its conception. I remember the first year looking at it and saying, “This is amazing. This is gigantic.” But I seem to say the same thing every year as it continues to grow and continues to get better and better.
I am currently a detective for aggravated assaults with the Inglewood Police Department. I have worked to incorporate different officers of all ranks to get involved with the event. We’ve had officers ride in full gear, our color guard has been part of the opening ceremonies; it’s a way to get the community involved and for the department to give back. My mom saw how passionate I was about being involved. She would have supported me regardless, like moms should, but she knew it was a special day for me.
She initially had breast cancer in 2014. We didn’t know how bad it was, and then it metastasized. She was over and above, because she was immensely giving, all while suffering silently. She would give you the shirt off her back, regardless of what was going on, if she knew it was going to help you. And that’s something that I’ve lived my entire life trying to emulate. She loved my wife. She loved her grandkids. But my mom, we were heart and soul.
This last Tour de Pier in 2017 was the hardest. My mom passed about two weeks prior. I pretty much didn’t leave my house until that day, Tour de Pier was the first time I left the house. Dealing with it was tough. The day is filled with memories of my mom, she was there every year. It’s an important day for my family, for us to remember her. Losing my mom is a chance to fight even harder for those that are still with us, and those who are fighting hard.