ROCKINGHAM — A large convoy of motorcycles is tentatively set to roll through Richmond and Scotland counties on Saturday, Sept. 27 in a benefit to make Christmas better for area children.
The sixth annual Back the Blue Ride will be raising money for the Shop With a Cop and Shop with a deputy programs by the Rockingham and Laurinburg police departments and the sheriffs’ offices in Richmond and Scotland counties. This year, the ride will also contribute to the Hamlet Police Department.
The ride was started in 2020 by longtime Laurinburg PD Officer Chris Jackson — at the urging of his wife — following a nationwide backlash against law enforcement.
Jackson took a break from organizing the event last year, but is back behind the handlebars for 2025.
Although the National Weather Service is calling for rain on Saturday, Jackson is hopeful the forecast will change. If it doesn’t, Jackson said the make-up date will be Oct. 4.
The ride will start and end at The Bistro in Laurinburg, with a midway stop at the Hide-A-Way Tavern north of Rockingham. Kickstands go up at 11:15 at the Bistro and 1 p.m. at the Hide-A-Way.
While in Richmond County, the bikers will roll down Franklin Street past the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office and Rockingham Police Department, then down Main Street in the Seaboard City past the Hamlet Police Department.
Back at the Bistro, there will be door prizes and a raffle, along with music from the Blewett Dam Band.
More than $45,000 has been raised since the ride began: $700 in 2020; $12,000 in 2021; $14,000 in 2022; $17,000 in 2023; and $1,721 in 2024.
Last year, RCSO was able to help 32 children, with each child being allotted $225. In addition to the Shop with a Deputy program, RCSO has also partnered with local fire departments with “Santa parades” through Ellerbe, Cordova and East Rockingham, and has given out toys during Dobbins Heights’ Christmas event.
Also in 2024, RPD took 25 children from 16 families on a Christmas shopping spree.
