Jeep Drivers Gathered For Back The Blue Parade

Jeep drivers paraded around town Saturday in support of local law enforcement. 

Organizers of the Oklahoma Jeeps Back the Blue ride said that this support is needed now more than ever before.

More than 100 Jeeps honked their horns and revved their engines in support of police officers.

Sheridan Ray, who helped organize the event, said she grew up watching her dad, an officer, pour his heart and soul into the community.  

"They take time every day for us, so one Saturday is nothing for me,” Ray said. “They've got my support and all the other jeepers." 

Drivers drove by five different police departments, starting in Jenks before going to Glenpool, Bixby, Broken Arrow and, finally, downtown Tulsa.

Organizers said the huge crowd of Jeeps flew flags with thin blue lines and handed out Back the Blue teddy bears and food to law enforcement. 

"Everyone's super close,” Ray said. “It's just a big tailgate party when we get together.”

Parade organizers said the group gained support along the route when other jeeps saw the ride and joined in on the action.

Sapulpa Police Chief Mike Reed has been in law enforcement for over 30 years. 

"My daughter called me and said, ‘Hey we're going do this. Do you want to ride?’ and I was like, ‘Absolutely, I'll ride," Reed said. 

Reed said that they've had a rough go this year with the passing of Sergeant Craig Johnson.

"It's scary sometimes. We don't know what we're getting into,” Reed said. “We never know who we're coming up on. Could be a bad guy. Could be a good guy, but we are just regular people and have a job to do." 

Ray believes officers, including her father, are more than regular people. They're the unsung heroes in their communities. 

“We just want all the officers to know that we back you, we love you (and) we pray for you every day," Ray said.