Northeast Oklahoma Bikers Raise Over $16K For Families Of Fallen Officers

Hundreds of bikers traveled 35 miles through Green Country Sunday morning to raise money for the families of fallen officers in Baton Rouge and Kansas City. It isn't the group's first ride, but Bikers Backing the Blue said they hope it will be the last.

Each biker at the Creek County Fairgrounds had a reason to ride. 

"You know, I have a lot of very close friends and family that are police officers and in law enforcement, and it's just a very, very important thing to back the Blue," said participant Kim Anglin. 

They raised more than $16,000 for the families of the three officers killed in Baton Rouge on July 17 - and the officer killed in Kansas City days later.  

"Getting that money to them as soon as possible, gets them - you know, their rent paid, groceries for their kids, gas in the car, car payment - it relieves them some mental stress," said Matthew Llewellyn, a found of Bikers Backing the Blue.

This isn't the first benefit ride Matthew Llewellyn organized for families of law enforcement. He helped raise more than $16,000 for the families of officers killed in Dallas. Bikers Backing the Blue held a benefit ride July 17, the same day three officers were killed. Llewellyn said when bikers finished the ride, everyone was shocked to learn the news. 

"Then I picked up my phone and my notifications start coming through; I see the notifications for the officers shot and killed, and I was like, 'Oh my God, when does it stop?'" he said.

Llewellyn didn't waste any time getting the cash to Texas.  He handed the cash to a Dallas police officer.

"He started to tear up, and of course, that tore me up," Llewellyn said. "I mean, it was an incredibly emotional experience."

The Patriot Guard Riders along with about 40 other motorcycle groups were all here united in one effort: to back the blue. 

"Cops have got a bad name, bikers sometimes have a bad name, so it's one of those things where everything going on, the racial tension, this, that and the other - at least we can be out here doing what we need to be doing - trying to show that we actually care," said Paul McLane, Downed Bikers Association President.

Llewellyn says even though the ride is positive, it's important to remember the reason it's happening in the first place.

"I don't want to have to do one of these ever again," he said. "But, if one does happen anywhere, you know, they attack our officers, we'll do as many as these are necessary as to support them and help the families." 

Bikers Backing the Blue plans to send checks to Baton Rouge and Kansas City as soon as possible.

"This ride - it's not just for the families,” Llewellyn said. “It's a statement to law enforcement everywhere that we got your back."O