Motorcycle ride remembers fallen CPD officers

CHICAGO (WLS) -- For more than a decade, motorcyclists have remembered fallen Chicago police officers by riding.

Some participating officers feel like they are protecting and serving in whole a different era now, and it's one where officers aren't held in much regard.

The ceremony at the Chicago Police Memorial gave all the riders a chance to remember those officers who died in the line of duty.

The officers seemed to want to make a big impact and reinforce how tight their brotherhood still is, even after how some officers say the job of protecting and serving has changed.

"With just the scrutiny and the microscope that we are under, I think I'm just getting out there and doing the job to the best of my ability and trying not to let that impact my judgement while I'm out there," said Hanover Park Officer Jason Harden.

The annual Ride to Remember has been going strong for 11 years. Hundreds of motorcyclists were part of a nearly two-mile procession which lasts almost an hour.

Retired Officer Gary Neal and his son were both vocal about how difficult it is for the men and women in blue these days.

"Police officers have been taking a hit but there are some good officers out there and we've lost a lot of them," he said. "It seems like the highlights are on the negative at this point, but if you look around there are a lot of officers that will never forget what their partners, cousins and friends have done."

It was a message made loud and clear on Sunday.