TOLEDO, Ohio — The families of Toledo police officer Anthony Dia and Sylvania police officer Mike Shaw are continuing to honor their lives and their sacrifices with a special motorcycle ride and event on Saturday.
The June 15 event honors the memory of officers Dia, who died in the line of duty in July 2020, and Shaw, who died by suicide in October 2020.
In the four years since their deaths, hundreds of motorcyclists have ridden through Toledo and the surrounding areas the remember the work the officers put into the communities they loved - and the sacrifices they made.
The fourth annual Poker Ride will kick off at Lucas County Pit Crew at 855 N. McCord Rd. The Pit Crew, a nonprofit dedicated to rehoming and caring for pit bulls, was a cause both Dia and Shaw cared deeply for.
The event begins at 9 a.m. when, until 10:45 a.m., visitors can pick up their registration and purchase a breakfast burrito. Between 10:45 a.m. and 11 a.m., the event will include a memorial to Dia and Shaw.
Then, at 11 a.m., riders will depart the location and bike through Toledo, visiting various stops along the way, including Toledo Memorial Park, where both Dia and Shaw were laid to rest.
The riders will then return to the Pit Crew at approximately 2 p.m. to deal their best poker hand and collect stamps. The best hands get prizes. Prizes include a cruise from a local travel agency, pedicures, massages, cigars, gift cards, haircuts and more.
While the riders are gone, the Pit Crew will hold an adoption event from noon to 2 p.m. Then, until 3 p.m., event-goers can enjoy food and live music.
Dia's family will be hosting the event this year. His mother, Gina Long, said nearly 20 sponsors are helping support the fundraising event. She said she's glad the community is coming out to support her son's memory, as well as Shaw's memory.
"These officers need to be talked about. They lost their life for our community," Long said. "They made the ultimate sacrifice for Toledo, Ohio and Sylvania, Ohio, so I don't want them to be forgotten. So anything that I can do to honor them and honor their names, I'm going to do until I can't."
Long said you don't need a motorcycle to participate. There will be other fun stations that will include bounce houses, games, food, raffles, live music, and a puppy adoption event held from noon to 2 pm.
"I don't want him to be forgotten. So, anything that I can do to honor him ill forever do it. Officer Mike Shaw and Anthony Dia loved pit bulls and loved working side by side with the director of the Lucas County pit crew. and it's changed my life the work that I do with them," said Gina Long.
To participate in the ride, register here. Your ticket will include participation in the ride, a t-shirt and dinner. Additional riders can tag along for $15.
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You can register the day of between 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., all the proceeds go to the officers' favorite nonprofit: The Lucas County Pit Crew.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct information on the circumstances surrounding Officer Mike Shaw's death.
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