The Final Sonny Kim Fallen Officers Memorial Ride

 

The Final “Sonny Kim Fallen Officers Memorial Ride” happened on Saturday, May 20, 2023. Rain fell the morning of the ride. However, by 9:00 a.m., as participants were signing in for this final ride, the skies cleared and the sun came out. God is good, yes? With riders mounted, kick-stands up, and engines throttling, this final ride of more than 400 bikes started heading to Gate of Heaven Cemetery where Sonny was laid to rest. Over 1000 individuals participated in memory of Officer Kim and other fallen officers.

This annual ride raised needed funds to support fallen officers and first responders. It started in 2016, a year after Officer Kim lost his life in the line of duty on June 19, 2015. “Officer Kim was highly respected by his commanders, supervisors, peers, and the communities in which he lived and served. He was a success as a police officer, mentor, sensei, father and husband. By June 2015, he had served his community 27-1/2 years and earned 21 letters of appreciation and/or commendation,” stated the Cincinnati Police Department, Greater Cincinnati Police Museum.

On June 26, 2015 Officer Sonny Kim’s funeral services were held in the Cintas Center, where more than 500 police cars and 200 motorcycles filled the Xavier University campus parking lots.  Over 8000 people attended the services, according to the CPD. The procession to Gate of Heaven Cemetery was in the pouring rain and Officer Kim’s body was laid to rest in Section 14.

The organizers of this annual ride express their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who took part in the rides. The staff of Gate of Heaven Cemetery feel honored to have been part of this remembrance of Officer Sonny Kim and all first responders who have given the ultimate sacrifice for the communities they served.

His master said to him, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.

Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities.  

Come,  share your master’s joy.” ~Matthew 25:20-21