Law Enforcement and bike enthusiasts join together for the 32nd Annual Trail of Tears Ride
Bartlett Police Department
On Sunday, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office joined with Memphis Police Department, Bartlett Police Department, and Collierville Police Department to help escort the Trail of Tears Commemorative Motorcycle Ride from Highway 385 and Hacks Cross Road, to the I-40 Memphis Bridge into Arkansas.
The Trail of Tears ride, now in its 32nd year, honors the history of the forced removal of Native American tribes in the 1830s, while ensuring that history is not forgotten.
Along this year’s journey, the Trail of Tears Commemorative Organization also collected donations to support Sgt. Samuel Lilley, a member of our Motor Unit, who was critically injured in a crash in late 2024 while responding to a call.
As ride coordinator David Nelson shared, their mission is about remembrance, but it’s also about community: “We just wanted to do something to help… we love you guys and we think of you guys as family.”
We are deeply grateful for the support shown for Sgt. Lilley and his family as he continues to
recover.
