By Shavonne Walker
shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — Rowan Sheriff’s detectives Travis Zimmerman and Ollie Greene will bike 500 miles to Washington, D.C. in the spring where they will pay respect to fallen law enforcement officers from North Carolina and around the country.

The men are organizing a fundraiser Friday to help support their May trip as part of the ride to the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial.

The pair will ride 500 miles over four days in honor of law enforcement who’ve died in the line of duty, Zimmerman said. The fundraiser will help them offset the trip’s costs, including lodging.

The bike ride also coincides with National Police Week where the men will be able to attend a candlelight vigil at the National Mall and a peace officer’s memorial service.

The officers are selling half chicken plates for $10 that will include slaw, baked beans and a roll. All plates must be pre-ordered and will be ready for delivery or pickup at the Sheriff’s Office parking lot from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday.

Tickets can be purchased from both officers and any other detective with the sheriff’s office.

Any leftover money raised will be given to the family of slain Shelby officer Tim Brackeen, who was shot while serving a warrant in September and died 2 days later.

Zimmerman is a Navy vet and has been with the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office for seven years. Greene has been a part of the sheriff’s office for 13 years.

This is their first time participating in the ride, but both have biked long distances, competed in Iron Man triathlon events and competed in marathons.

For more information about purchasing a ticket, contact either Greene or Zimmerman at the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office, 704-216-8700.